Tree Lighting Union Square – San Francisco
Hispanic Lifestyle was on hand at the 24th Annual Great Tree Lighting Ceremony in Union Square on Friday, November 29. In the San Francisco holiday tradition, Macy’s once again presents its gift to the city—a beautiful, reusable 83’ tree decorated with more than 33,000 twinkling energy-efficient LED lights and 1,100 shining ornaments. Headlining the festivities was American singer, songwriter, and musician Judith Hill, finalist from season four of The Voice, with additional performances by the San Francisco Boy’s choir, Glide Ensemble, and premier co-ed a capella group, Artists in Resonance from UC Berkeley.
The program also included a special performance by 18-year-old singer Shelby Miguel, a Wish Ambassador from Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area. When Shelby was four, she was diagnosed with an aggressive blood cancer, and during her six months of chemotherapy, she found that music helped keep her mind off the pain of treatment. Today, fourteen years later, Shelby works with Make-A-Wish to help spread hope, strength and joy to children battling life-threatening medical illnesses by sharing her story and musical gift.
“Macy’s is proud to continue our gift-giving tradition by giving the spectacular Great Tree to the City of San Francisco”, said District Vice President Lori Randolph. “Here at Macy’s, a big part of our holiday spirit is in giving, not just to our loved ones, but also giving back to our communities. This evening is always a very special time for me personally, as the evening tree lighting ceremony is a night that I share with my eight year old daughter. It is an event that she talks about for days, and a memory she will cherish for a lifetime!”
Exclusive photos by Richard Sandoval
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This year marks the sixth anniversary of the Macy’s Believe campaign in partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, inviting children of all ages to mail letters to Santa using Macy’s Santa Mail letter-boxes. Macy’s donates $1 for each letter mailed in-store, up to $1 million, to Make-A-Wish, bringing the holiday spirit to children throughout the year. The Macy’s Believe mailbox is located on the 7th floor in the Macy’s Union Square store. All the mail that is put in that mailbox is sent directly to Santa at the North Pole. And, for every letter, Macy’s will give $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. You can also take home a 2013 Aflac Duck and make a difference in a child’s life this holiday season. When you purchase one of these feathered friends – available in two sizes, 6-inch for $11.99 and 10-inch for $15.99 – 100% of the net proceeds will benefit pediatric cancer hospitals around the country. Only at Macy’s. While supplies last.
About Macy’s Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy’s offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy’s flagship stores — including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California — are known internationally and leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers, employees and Macy’s Foundation, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $70 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.
