MARYVILLE, Mo. –Northwest Missouri State University is inviting local residents to join the university community this week for its annual Holiday Tree Lighting.
The tree lighting will take place Thursday on the Lawn of the Thomas J. Gaunt House. The event, hosted by the Jasinski family, begins at 5:15 p.m. Santa Bobby Bearcat will welcome guests for photos after the ceremony. Refreshments will be served.
The program will include remarks by University and community leaders as well as music performed by the Horace Mann Laboratory School’s Bearcat Choir and the Maryville High School Spectrum Show Choir.
Additionally, families and individuals are invited to give to Ruby’s Pantry, a philanthropic effort sponsored by Northwest and the Jasinski family in conjunction with the Holiday Tree Lighting. The Jasinski family and first dog, Ruby, invite others to assist the furry residents of Nodaway County by donating cleaning supplies to the New Nodaway Humane Society, such as bleach, hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes, paper towels, dish soap and laundry detergent. The Humane Society also is in need of patè type cat food for kittens.
Donors may bring cleaning supply donations to Northwest’s Office of University Marketing and Communication, located on the second floor of the Administration Building, until Dec. 3, or to the Holiday Tree Lighting at the Gaunt House. Checks payable to the New Nodaway
Humane Society also may be sent to Gina Bradley, University Event Coordinator, 220 Administration Building, 800 University Drive, Maryville, MO 64468.
Last year’s effort collected nearly 400 pounds of dog and cat food and more than $300 in monetary donations to assist the local Humane Society. The organization annually cares for more than 750 animals and is supported with memberships, pet adoption fees, fundraisers and private donations.
More than 150 people attended last year’s tree-lighting ceremony at the Gaunt House. The historic structure, 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.