Genesis Healthcare System Kicks off Tree of Love Fundrasier - WHIZ - Fox 5 / Marquee Broadcasting

Oct 19, 2024

ZANESVILLE, OH – A fundraiser to help honor loved ones is returning for the Holiday Season.

Genesis Healthcare System is hosting their annual, volunteer led, Tree of Love fundraiser.

Carol Kohler, a Tree of Love Volunteer, says you can purchase a tree in honor of or in memory of a loved one.

She says the Tree of Love Fundraiser began in 1986 and since then they have made it their mission to place around 200 trees every year.

“It’s our biggest money maker and of course the money that we make on this goes to Genesis.” Kohler said. “Most of it goes to the hospital to buy new equipment and things. The other part of it goes to hospice. Now last year we purchased part of a new tech machine for the vascular group and then this year we got all new recliners for the hospital.”

Kohler says if you purchase a tree for a loved one, it will come with lights and a plaque with the name of who the tree is for.

She says they will host a light up night event on Friday, Nov. 22nd at 6PM in front of the hospital in Zanesville.

Kolher is inviting families to come out together and put personal touches on their loved ones tree.

“A lot of people get together with their families and decorate them, I mean, it’s kind of nice.” Kohler said. “They’ll decorate the tree and go out to eat, especially if their loved one has passed away in the last couple of years.”

Trees for the Tree of Love Fundraiser are $125 and they also have poinsettia flowers for $25.

If you are interested in purchasing a tree or flowers in honor of a loved one, you can go to Genesis’ website to pick up an order form.