LVHN–Pocono Foundation Hosts Virtual 29th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting to Benefit Local Nonprofits

For the 29th year in a row, the Lehigh Valley Health Network–Pocono Foundation and the Rotary Club of the Smithfields held their annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Thursday, Dec. 3. While the tree lighting took place at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono’s Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center, it was broadcast virtually for the first time because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to kicking off the holiday season, the Holiday Tree Lighting raises money to benefit nonprofit organizations in Monroe County that provide programs for children in need. Leading up to the event, community members are invited to purchase holiday bulbs in memory or in honor of a loved one. The money raised through bulb sales and event sponsorships helps to fund the grants. This year’s grants totaled $5,000 and were distributed evenly among the following nonprofits:

• Family Promise of Monroe County

• The Garden of Giving

• Pocono Area Transitional Housing

• Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network

• Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia

The event also included musical performances from Clear Run Intermediate School Chorus, East Stroudsburg North Chorale, Pocono Mountain East High School Chorale and Pleasant Valley High School Band.

Watch a recording of this year's event here.