Local residents are invited to join the Northwest Missouri State University community Thursday, Dec. 1, for the eighth annual Holiday Tree Lighting on the lawn of the Thomas J. Gaunt House.

The event, hosted by the Jasinski family, begins at 5:15 p.m. Weather permitting, Santa Bobby Bearcat also will welcome guests for photos after the ceremony. Refreshments will be served.

The program will include remarks by Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski, Maryville Mayor Jason McDowell and Travis Dimmitt on behalf of Campus Ministerial Alliance. The Horace Mann Laboratory School’s Bearcat Choir and the Maryville High School Spectrum Choir also will perform.

Guests also will be invited to extend their gratitude to area men and women who are serving in the military overseas. Blank cards, markers, ink pads and stamps will be available for children and adults to create a personal message to these American heroes.
Additionally, the Jasinski family annually selects a philanthropy in conjunction with the Tree Lighting. This year, the Jasinski family will focus giving efforts on the University’s new Pay It Forward Fund and Food Pantry. To make a donation to the Pay It Forward Fund, click here.

Requested items for the food pantry include:
protein items, such as peanut butter, canned chicken or canned tuna
complete non-frozen meals, such as Hamburger Helper or Tuna Helper
pancake mix
toilet paper
tooth paste
shampoo
other personal hygiene items
Donors may bring items to Northwest’s Office of University Marketing and Communication, located on the second floor of the Administration Building now through Dec. 1 or bring donations to the tree lighting.
The Gaunt House, located at the south edge of campus, was built during the 1870s and serves as the presidential residence. The home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.