Boston Celebrates 30 Years With Nova Scotia's "Giving Tree"; Event to Occur December 1, 2001 at 6 PM on the Boylston Street Side of Prudential Center.

Business Editors

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 30, 2001

December 1, 2001 marks the 30th anniversary of the Prudential Tree Lighting Ceremony where the citizens of Nova Scotia give a towering evergreen to Boston in commemoration of Bostonians' compassionate and generous response to a devastating accident which occurred in Halifax in 1917. Sponsored annually by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, the program of music, dance, and good cheer will be held this year starting at 6:00 p.m. on the Boylston Street side of Prudential Center.

In celebration of 30 years of collaboration on this event, the Province of Nova Scotia will present some of its finest performers as part of the festivities. Jeremiah Sparks, Canada's foremost Blues and Gospel singer will lead the crowd in song. Just back from a tour of France is Grand Derangement, made up of Nova Scotia singers, fiddlers, and dancers who have brought an Acadian sound to world music. Back by popular demand is Aselin Debison, 11 years old this year who will perform songs from her new Christmas Album, "The Littlest Angel".

Thousands of Bostonians and visitors are expected to attend this free event. More than 3,200 people hours, 4.5 miles of wire, and 18,000 lights decorate the stately white spruce tree, which usually stands 50 feet tall. When the magic moment arrives, more than 75 circuit breakers are thrown and a spectacular light show illuminates the tree.

In addition, this year the Make-A-Wish Foundation will use the occasion to kick off its campaign to raise funds to give gravely ill children a chance to make a wish. According Roger Goodson, managing director, Prudential's Needham (Mass.) Agency, the tree has come to symbolize the act of giving and the true spirit of the holiday. "Various groups around the country light up trees for the holiday, but this is the tree with a story. It is a story about concern and humanity, and about how people can reach out to help one another," he said. On December 6, 1917, a French freighter full of munitions and a Norwegian vessel collided in Halifax Harbor, causing a nuclear-size blast that leveled the town and killed more than 1,700 people. That same day, Bostonians rushed a relief train to Halifax carrying medical supplies, doctors and nurses. Much of the money for the aid came from donations made by ordinary citizens. That train was the first outside help to arrive at the scene.

Prudential Financial is a brand name and service mark of The Prudential Insurance Company of America (Newark, NJ) and its affiliates in the United States and selected countries. With approximately $564.2 billion in total assets under management and administration as of September 30, 2001, Prudential Financial companies serve individual and institutional customers worldwide and include The Prudential Insurance Company of America, one of the largest life insurance companies in the U.S. Prudential Financial companies offer a variety of products and services, including life insurance, property and casualty insurance, mutual funds, annuities, pension and retirement related services and administration, asset management, securities brokerage, banking and trust services, real estate brokerage franchises and relocation services. For more information, visit www.prudential.com.