Festival of Trees and Lights

*** Update 12/6/2019 ***

Thank you so much to everyone that helped to make this possible. Ava’s Tree turned out beautiful with just the right amount of bling! It was bittersweet to create this tree in her honor. I know that she would have absolutely loved being a part of the process. Oh, the fun we would have had. I talked to her the whole way through and she shined down on the project in so many ways.

I love this event because it has a double impact. Not only does this event raise money for very important hospital programs BUT many of the trees end up in very special places. When I was told that Ava’s tree was donated by Bankers Trust to Oakridge Neighborhood Services for their breakfast with Santa event I was instantly covered in goosebumps! Ava’s tree will shine bright for all the little ones and their families at Christmas!! How cool is that!

I am certain that Ava had a part in the outcome of her beautiful tree. It’s Ava’s Way in every way!

Once upon a time, a peacock changed the world. A fable some might call it, but read on to see for yourself. The peacock was magnificent in striking colors of blue, green and purple. It was graceful and strong too. Word spread quickly and people from all over the world came to see the beauty first hand.

A humble shepherd stumbled across a crowd gathered around the peacock. He made his way through the gathering and asked, “What is so special about this bird.” No one seemed to have a strong argument of why this particular bird was so inspiring. That is until a child peeked through the legs of the crowd and gasped, “Look its smile glows!”

Sure enough, colors a thousand times brighter than its feathers radiated from within. It was as if the peacock had a rainbow for a heart. From that moment on, no explanation was needed other than the bird had a smile that lit up the world.

In Ava’s honor, we will be decorating a tree at the Festival of Trees and Lights this year. The event will take place from November 27th to December 1st at the Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium.

The Festival supports the Child Life program at Blank Children’s Hospital. Ava loved the Child Life programs. They provided her with much-needed distractions and a bit of childhood throughout her treatments at the clinic and hospital.

The tree will be titled “True Colors” because no one should be afraid to show their true colors! Ava inspired me and so many others to show our true colors. Her classmates chose to sing the song “True Colors” at their vocal concert in her honor last year. It is a beautiful anthem to live by and I am very excited to see this tree come together and share it with the public at one of our favorite holiday events!!

Thank you to everyone that helped with Ava’s Festival Tree – True Colors. It is coming along beautifully!! I am so very excited for you to see it! The festival is just around the corner, so check out the event page and get your trip to holiday wonderland planned. This link provides all the information on location, times, etc. Check it out!

Thank you for helping me keep Ava’s memory alive! I love your true colors!!