30th Annual Illumination of Love Raises $12,000 for Residents

St. John’s Foundation hosted its 30th annual Illumination of Love, an event that rings in the holiday season and raises funds for residents with limited financial means.

St. John’s Foundation accepts donations for Illumination of Love, which are then represented by a holiday light that decorates the St. John’s Home Courtyard and Christmas tree. Community members often donate in honor or in memory of a loved one who they wish to be remembered during the holidays.

All the funds raised for the Illumination of Love go towards residents who receive limited financial assistance. The money helps residents receive haircuts, adaptive clothing or shoes, new eyeglasses, electric razors, headphones, or other items in support of  personal hobbies.

The courtyard was decorated with over 2,400 lights this year thanks to many gracious donors. The grand total of $12,000 raised was announced a live event, which had about 70 attendees.

Catherine Dausey was the selected St. John’s Home resident to flip the switch that lit the courtyard and tree. Dausey has been a resident for two years and told Spectrum News that she can still carry out her holiday traditions while living at St. John’s Home.

“Every Christmas Eve, my family and I would order Chinese food and now that I am here, we still do that, so it is very nice,” said Dausey.

Dausey said she was honored to be chosen as the featured resident and to be joined by visiting family at the event.

Following the lighting of the tree and courtyard, residents and visitors enjoyed a reception with refreshments and live music from John Williams.

Watch 13WHAM’s “St. John’s Illumination of Love event.”

Watch WROC 8’s “St. John’s Home hosts 30th annual Illumination of Love.”

Photo Gallery: Illumination of Love 2024