12/05/2008 GAAS:814:08 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Print Version |
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger & First Lady Maria Shriver Celebrate the 77th Annual State Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting
Individuals and Families are Encouraged to Bring Food Items for those in Need
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and
First Lady Maria Shriver will kick-off the holiday season with the 77th annual
State Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, themed ‘WE Celebrate,' on the
West Steps of the State Capitol on Tuesday, December 9. Festivities for the
evening begin at 4:30 p.m. and the official tree lighting ceremony at 5:15 p.m.
This year's event will feature EXTRA's Mario López as Master of Ceremonies.
"This holiday season, we recognize and honor California's
bravest and most amazing men, women and children," said Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger. "These are people with a unique spirit, the kind of giving
spirit that we celebrate in the holiday season. That is why our theme this year
is ‘WE Celebrate,' embodying the strength and perseverance of California's
people."
In the spirit of giving, Governor Schwarzenegger and First
Lady Maria Shriver, in partnership with CaliforniaVolunteers will host the WE
Can Holiday Food Drive during this year's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Many California families are in need
this winter and food item contributions will help make a huge difference
throughout the Sacramento region. Community volunteers will be on hand
to collect food items at the West Steps of the Capitol on the day of the
Ceremony. Future donations can be dropped off at the North Entrance of
the Capitol.
"I'm a big believer that here in California, ‘It's Up to
WE' and that together we not only celebrate, but unite as one big
family. And this holiday season, it's more important than ever that we
support one another so that everyone can feel hope during times of hardship,"
said First Lady Maria Shriver. "Many people throughout our country are
losing their jobs, unable to bring dinner to the family table, and feeling in
despair. It's up to WE to bring holiday spirit to our neighbors, our
community and all who need our help."
The ceremony will feature performances
by Grammy Award-winning artist Rick Springfield, Tony Award-nominated actress and singer Sheryl
Lee Ralph and the Varsity Fanclub. In addition, locally-based Unity
Community Choir and Galena Street East will perform throughout the
ceremony.
Eight year-old Michaela Tritch of Los Angeles has been
selected to join the Governor in hanging a special ornament and lighting the
tree during the ceremony. Michaela has Down Syndrome and will represent the
more than 230,000 children and adults served by the Department of Developmental
Services. She enjoys gymnastics, soccer and is an accomplished equestrian
rider. Michaela also designed one of the more than 1,500 ornaments created by
Californians with developmental disabilities that will adorn the tree. As
part of First Lady Maria Shriver's WE Include program, which promotes the
hiring of individuals with developmental disabilities, California businesses
will be highlighted who have taken an extraordinary lead to ensure that
Michaela has a bright future.
Continuing Governor
Schwarzenegger's greening of California, 6,500 ultra-low-wattage LED lights
will illuminate the tree, saving the state 95 percent of the energy normally
consumed by incandescent bulbs. Since 2006, the state Christmas tree's LED
lights have been powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, which emits only pure water
and allows the lights to operate without using electricity from the power
grid. This year, the fuel cell has been provided by Folsom-based Altergy
Systems, a member of the California Stationary Fuel Cell Collaborative. Air
Products, a Pennsylvania based company with three California locations, will
provide the hydrogen for the fuel cell at no cost.
This season, the Governor and First
Lady will spread the holiday cheer with a card designed by Mouth and Foot
Painting Artists member Dennis Francesconi, who was paralyzed from the waist
down in an accident almost 30 years ago. His acrylic painting, entitled
"Christmas Night," depicts a Christmas tree standing tall against a deep blue
starry sky, and was selected by the Governor and the First Lady for its
powerful and festive imagery. The card will be sent to more than 9,000
recipients, which includes 4,500 members of the California National Guard
stationed overseas.
