For the fourth consecutive year, the memory of Ace Garate will serve as a shining beacon over downtown Emporia through the holiday season.
Family, loved ones and community members all convened at White Memorial Park Sunday night for the fourth annual Ace It Up tree lighting and toy drive. The event is held in memory of Ace Garate who sadly passed following a traffic accident in Missouri several years back.
In years past donations to the event have gone to support St. Francis Ministries and TFI Family Services, however, this year the Garate Family chose to team up with Emporia Spartan Stop to collect donations for local teens. Amy Garate, Ace’s mother, says during the holiday season older children can often be overlooked.
In addition to the toy donations, residents were also invited to tie a ribbon to the tree commemorating a lost loved one. Amy Garate says this is their family’s way of trying to create a community of remembrance with others.
The tree will remain lit each night now through the remainder of the Holliday season. Donation totals are currently pending.
