Evansville Tree Lighting Ceremony to Honor Donors and Transplant Recipients
November 28, 2018
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – On Friday, November 30, 2018, at 4:30 PM, Indiana Donor Network will host its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony honoring those who have been affected by organ, eye and tissue donation and transplantation. Dr. Emil Weber, southern region medical director for Indiana Donor Network, will lead this special event.
In addition to honoring those affected by donation and transplantation, the Tree Lighting Ceremony will also raise awareness around the 115,000 men, women and children currently awaiting a lifesaving organ transplant. Tragically, 22 people die each day because the organ they needed did not become available in time. More than 40 citizens of Vanderburgh County are waiting for an organ transplant.
Speakers will include Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke, Dr. Emil Weber, Cherona Hajewski, Vice President and CNO of Deaconess Hospital, Dan Parod, President of St. Vincent Southern Region and representatives from Indiana Donor Network.
Attendees will decorate the tree with ornaments including those made by Evansville donor family members in honor of their loved ones who were able to save and heal lives through organ and tissue donation. The floragraph of “Big Steve” McElvene, an Indiana tissue donor, will also be on display at the event. Big Steve’s floragraph will adorn the Donate Life Float at the January 2019 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.
Media are asked to RSVP to Mark Back at mback@INDonorNetwork.org or 317.222.3402.
Who: Evansville donor families and transplant recipients, Indiana Donor Network, Deaconess Hospital and St. Vincent Hospital
What: Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Honoring Organ, Eye and Tissue Donors and Transplant Recipients
When: Friday, November 30, 2018 at 4:30 PM
Where: The honorary tree is located at the corner of Locust Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, at the intersection of the Ford Center and the Old National Events Plaza. Parking is available at the Locust Street Parking Garage (416 Locust Street, Evansville, IN 47708)
