DAVENPORT, Iowa — The Gilda's Club Blessing Tree is shining bright in Davenport.
The organization continued its 24-year tradition Tuesday night, lighting the tree at Quinlan Court in Davenport. The Blessing Tree is filled with lights, bows and ornaments honoring those with cancer. This year, over 360 people are being honored.
People can purchase the accessories, with the proceeds going back to Gilda's Club to benefit its free programs that support those in the community living with cancer.
Executive Director Joy Bush said they haven't tallied up the proceeds yet this year, but usually, they raise just under $15,000 from the event.
"Cancer is obviously a journey that affects a lot of people," Bush said. "Unfortunately, probably everybody in our community in some way, shape or form has been impacted or affected by cancer. And so a very big part of that is we celebrate the survivors and those people that have made it through their journey, but we also know that there's a lot of people that we've lost to it as well. And so it's just a time to celebrate those survivors, remember those people that we've lost."
The tree will remain lit at its new location at Quinlan Court through Jan. 3. There is still time to purchase a light, bow or ornament in someone's honor by clicking/tapping here.
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