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Community Corner

A Tree Lighting to Benefit Huntington Hospital

Prime Restaurant event raises awareness and funds to benefit the Clark Gilles Children's Emergency Care Center at Huntington Hospital.

When Town Supervisor Frank Petrone took the stage at the tree lighting at on Monday night, he remarked that it had been a weekend of holiday firsts in Huntington. On Friday night, boaters and landlubbers alike enjoyed the first Parade of Lights on Huntington Harbor, on Saturday night, the first town holiday parade, and now, on Monday night, the first Tree Lighting on Huntington Harbor.

The ceremony served as a fundraiser to benefit the Clark Gilles Children's Emergency Care Center at Huntington Hospital. As guests arrived, many brought toys and gifts which were intended for the center's young patients. Petrone was guest of honor at the event, along with Hospital President and CEO Kevin Lawlor who thanked the Bohlsens for bringing recognition to the Children's Emergency Care Center and also for the $5,000 donation made on behalf of the Bohlsen Family Foundation.

Michael Bohlsen, co-owner of Prime with his brother Kurt, took the stage to talk about the connection that his family had to Huntington. He and his brother were both born in Huntington Hospital. "This is a very special time of year, one in which we all take time to reflect on the past year, to spend time with the people we love and to think about the promise of the year to come." he said. "We are here tonight to do all three at once. My brother, Kurt, and I were born in this community; in the very hospital we come here tonight to celebrate. Prime Restaurant represents our ties to this community, the people here represent the people we love, and, the guests of honor represent the promise of a greater future."

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 The crowd cheered as the switch was flipped on a beautiful 30-foot balsam fir Christmas tree covered with 25,000 white lights overlooking the Harbor. Santa arrived soon after, to the delight of the younger guests.

The holiday celebration continues in Huntington this Wednesday at 6 pm, as the menorah is lit at the Village Green. The ceremony will be led by Rabbi Asher Vaisfiche of Chabad of Huntington.

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