them. But that didn’t stop ….

them. But that didn’t stop LW residents from pining for the old tree.

Then came the miracle: Gerber reached out to see how the Recreation Department could make a holiday tree happen in a season of budgetary concerns. That’s when Optum came to the rescue and offered a $5,000 donation to cover most of the cost of the fully decorated tree.

At Executive Director Jessica Sedgwick’s direction, Recreation Director Jesse Cripps expedited the request to lease the tree to get it on the agenda for the Dec. 5 Recreation Committee meeting, and the committee graciously approved the project.

Victoria Batistelli, director of Group Operations for Optum Orange County, commented to Gerber, “The Optum team and I am excited to see the beautiful holiday tree return to the courtyard in front of the HCC. The team and residents have shared a number of great memories of how the tree would light up the HCC lobby, while they played holiday music—a really special way to celebrate the holiday season that the residents and Optum team truly enjoyed.

“I am happy we could contribute to this wonderful legacy tradition. I also look forward to all the holiday events coming up over the next several weeks with the tree lighting and menorah lighting with cider and holiday cookies,” she said.

President Gerber thanked Optum saying, “Your generous donation enabled us to have our Christmas tree back where it belongs.

“The replacement of the Christmas tree by the Optum front entrance has become a Christmas miracle! So many people missed the tree at that location in the community.

“For me personally, I am thrilled that, with (Optum’s) help, we will have our tree back in place this year. It will light up that entire area that we all pass many times a day. When you pass by, let this little miracle illuminate the joy of the season in your heart and be thankful for all those who made it happen.”