Thirty-six years ago, the Association of Faculty and Friends (AFF) of Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Penn State College of Medicine began an annual Peace Tree Project, which culminates with the Peace Tree Celebration at Hershey Medical Center. Contributions will continue to be accepted through the end of the year, with names listed in a scrapbook.

The Peace Tree Celebration was held on Nov. 15 in the Tree House Cafe at Penn State Health Children's Hospital, and a tree on the grounds of the hospital was placed and decorated with white lights in memory of or in honor of loved ones or people who had touched the lives of others in a special way.

A prelude was performed by Jeff Herbst, and welcoming words were given by Vera Kolstrom. David Simmons, director of pastoral care at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center gave the invocation. Remarks were made by Steve Massini, chief executive officer of Penn State Health, and Dr. Kristina Newport, director of palliative care services. Afterward, the event included dancing, music, live art, and poetry. The celebration concluded with a reflection and the lighting of the peace tree, closing remarks, and a reception. Hershey Medical Center Catering and Chocolate World provided refreshments for this year's program.

About 80 people were in attendance at the program, and through many donations, the event raised $6,500 for the AFF to use in the allocation of grants next spring. Last year, AFF granted funds to many programs, including "Food as Medicine," "Caring for Patients With Sensory Concerns" and "Improving Outcomes for Heart Failure Patients."

The next Peace Tree celebration will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. For more information about the Peace Tree, visit https://pennstatehersheyaff.org/peace-tree/.

To learn more about the Association of Faculty and Friends, email affhersheypresident@gmail.com or visit http://www.pennstatehersheyaff.org.