COLUMBUS (December 3, 2001) — Governor Bob Taft and First Lady Hope Taft tonight, with the help of Kent Elementary students and children from Children First Child Care Center, officially ushered in the holiday season with the annual lighting of the statehouse holiday tree. Taft then presented food baskets, donated and decorated by state employees, to the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Mid-Ohio Food Bank Bill Scorpio. “This is a special time of year, when we join our family and friends to celebrate cherished traditions, and the statehouse holiday tree lighting is certainly one of Ohio’s most cherished traditions,” Taft said. “After September 11, the tree lighting serves as another way for our community to come together in a moment of reflection and togetherness. Hope and I wish all of you a Happy Holidays.” Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor accompanied the Taft’s, and the Columbus Alternative High School Choir and the Flute Cocktail provided music for the event. The Mid-Ohio FoodBank has already received more than 30,300 lbs. of food from state employees. Ohio has annually celebrated the statehouse tree lighting since 1913.