Macy's annual tree lighting to benefit UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital

What The San Francisco community will celebrate the holiday season at the 21st annual Macy’s Tree Lighting Ceremony, benefiting UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. Macy’s partners with the hospital each year to raise funds for its nationally recognized pediatric palliative care program, Compass Care. Over the last eight years, nearly $900,000 has been raised through sponsorship of the lights that adorn Macy’s gift to the city: an 80-foot Shasta White Fir. Lights can be sponsored for $5 apiece. Donations can be made at the Union Square celebration, by calling (415) 476-6400, or online at http://www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org/tree/. When Friday, November 26. Program begins at 6 p.m. Where Union Square Park, San Francisco Who Special guests and speakers include UCSF Medical Center CEO Mark Laret, SF Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White, SF Police Chief George Gascón, singer Katharine McPhee, Glide Ensemble, SF Boys’ Chorus, UC Berkeley Men’s Octet, and cast members from Shrek the Musical. Special guest Pat Burrell will represent the 2010 World Series Champions San Francisco Giants. Contact Media interested in arranging interviews with UCSF leadership and/or patient families in advance should contact Kate Vidinsky at (415) 476-3024 or [email protected]. On Thursday, November 25, and Friday, November 26, contact Amy Pyle at (415) 531-3424 or [email protected]. Background Compass Care provides comfort-based care for families with children near the end of their lives, as well as those with chronic life-threatening conditions who may eventually be cured. The program brings specially trained doctors, nurses, social workers, child life specialists, spiritual care staff and pharmacists together as a team to ensure that each child’s evolving needs are addressed. Compass Care emphasizes physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs with a focus on quality of life and relief of suffering.