BETTENDORF, IOWA (November 7, 2023) — The Blessing Tree tradition continues for the 25th year and will have a new location where it will shine brightly for all. The Blessing Tree is a tradition in which people can sponsor a light, bow, or ornament in memory of, in celebration of, or in gratitude for, a special person in their life. This visual embodiment of hope will be held at Be the Light Park, on State St, between 10th and 12th Streets in downtown Bettendorf.
"Be the Light Park is a place dedicated to remembering and honoring the lives of Dale Owen and Paul Lensmeyer. Both were taken from us entirely too soon. Having the Blessing Tree shining brightly at the Be the Light Park really touches my heart because Dale would want to share his place of remembrance with others. . .” says Angela Owen, Dale Owen’s widow.
“We are so grateful for the support of Ascentra Credit Union, the Downtown Bettendorf Organization and the City of Bettendorf on our new location for the Blessing Tree. The tree found its home on River Drive (in Davenport) for over twenty years where it became a symbol of the holiday season and the hope it brought to many as we honor and remember those that have had an impact on our life,” says Joy Bush, Executive Director of Gilda’s Club Quad Cities. “After closing our Clubhouse on River Drive in 2020, we wanted to find a new place for it to be at home. A place for families and friends to gather, remember, and share memories during the holiday season. Finding its home at the Be the Light Park just seemed so fitting, knowing what it symbolizes and the impact that Paul and Dale both had on our community, we feel like it is where it is meant to be. We are honored to continue this 25-year tradition, one that we hope will withstand another 25+ years of bringing light, joy and hope to our community.”
The 32-foot tree will be visible from both sides of the river and will allow the community to visit at any time to honor, remember, and celebrate. “I feel joy and a warm heart when sitting at the park, remembering Dale, and hope that others will come and experience that same comfort and joy when visiting the Blessing Tree, remembering their loved ones this season,” said Owen.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be able to have the Gilda’s Blessing Tree located within the Be the Light Park this holiday season,” said Linda Andry, President and CEO, Ascentra Credit Union. “It is incredibly heartwarming to see the collaboration between Ascentra, Gilda’s Club, the Downtown Bettendorf Organization and the City of Bettendorf to provide a place for members of our communities to remember loved ones, to bring hope to those fighting cancer and to share the message of Being a Light to all that visit the park or pass by.”
The public is invited to join us for cocoa, cookies, victorian carolers, and conversation, 6-7PM, December 5, at Be the Light Park. We will read the names of loved ones recognized at 6:15PM, illuminate the Blessing Tree at 6:30PM that night, and light the way through January 3. There is convenient parking along State Street, as well as parking available at Adel Wholesalers. All the proceeds from The Blessing Tree benefit the NO-COST programs at Gilda’s Club Quad Cities to support those in our community that are impacted with cancer.
Although Gilda’s Club QC provides support to those impacted by cancer, our blessing tree is for the entire community to honor and remember someone special in your life even if their life was not impacted by cancer. To learn more about contributing to the Blessing Tree or to purchase a light, bow, or ornament, please visit gildasclubqc.org/blessing or call 563-326-7504. Those wishing to celebrate the life of someone special through the Blessing Tree can make their donation through January 3, 2023.
For questions or more information, please contact Gilda’s Club at 563-326-7504 or e-mail lexi@gildasclubqc.org.
About Gilda’s Club
Gilda’s Club Quad Cities envisions that everyone impacted by cancer receives the support they want and need throughout their experience. The mission of Gilda’s Club and its CSC partners is to uplift and strengthen people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care. As a Cancer Support Community partner, we are part of the largest employer of psychosocial oncology mental-health professionals in the United States. Our global network brings the highest-quality cancer support to the millions of people impacted by cancer. All programs offered are provided at NO COST to those who participate.
