 | Duane Dreiling is the Foundation’s Executive Director at Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg. Duane has 18 years of experience in non-profit organizations. He has previously served as the Executive Director of the United Way of the Flint Hills and has worked with foster parents for TFI Family Services. |
Health & Wellness
2011-11-21 13:56:03
The Remember Me Tree
Q: What is the Remember Me Tree and what role does the Mount Carmel Foundation play?
A: The Remember Me Tree is a holiday tradition of the Mount Carmel Foundation. Each year Christmas trees are placed inside Pittsburg’s Meadowbrook Mall with decorations of red bows, dove ornaments, hearts, angels, and American Flag hearts or stars. The Remember Me Tree is decorated in memory and honor of loved ones and also honors members of our military forces. The names of those recognized are attached to the decorations, and are also listed on a ledger next to the tree. Each year the Mount Carmel Foundation hosts a Remember Me Tree ceremony that includes a reading of names of people honored through the decorations and a performance by the Pittsburg Community School Youth Chorale.
Q: How do I honor a loved one through the Remember Me Tree?
A: Contributions can be made through the Mount Carmel Foundation at Via Christi Hospital. Suggested donations for a decorative bow is $5, $10 for a dove ornament, $25 for a heart, and $50 for an angel. Hero flags or stars are $15. Following the holiday season, the ornaments are available to donors as keepsakes. Our tree lighting will take place on Monday, December 12, at 6 p.m.at Meadowbrook Mall.
Q: How do Remember Me Tree Donations play a part in our community?
A: Money raised from the Mount Carmel Foundation Remember Me Tree is used locally, supporting the mission of Via Christi Hospital Pittsburg, Inc. The Foundation’s efforts have assisted the hospital in maintaining leading edge technology and service expansions that contribute to quality health care for people throughout southeast Kansas. The Mount Carmel Foundation has pledged to raise $1.2 million for Via Christi Pittsburg’s Women’s Services Center that will vastly expand health care options for expecting mothers and women of all ages. Donations for ornaments for the Remember Me Tree may be made through Christmas. Contact the Mount Carmel Foundation office Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at 620.232.0197.
