Blackstone's of Beacon Hill in historic Beacon Hill (Boston) has been issuing two ornaments per year since 2006 encoded with mystery anagrams. The last ornaments will be received in 2011. When deciphered, the ornaments will reveal a five line message of hope. Currently, there are 115 families from 26 states participating. Accompanying is an illustrated story, The Last Shepard & Tales of the Tenth Ornament that will be available fall of 2011. The net proceeds from the book will go to support the pediatric cancer research and care at MassGeneral Hospital for Children Cancer Center. Families will gather Christmas Eve in Boston, to receive the final message. Our evening will include a video greeting from actor Richard Thomas of the Waltons and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino.
Synopsis
It's a wonderful life-Miracle on 34th Street staged in Boston
On Christmas Eve a young Boston reporter is sent to cover the demolition of Blackstone's, a small Beacon Hill store, to investigate the unexpected death of its owner, Jack Shepard. His experience will run the gamut of emotions as he explores the boundaries of doubt and faith and the value of a single solitary life. This will be a night of mysterious events that will reveal a secret message to travelers who have assembled from across the country. The reporter is challenged through the unwavering faith of the travelers: and before the night is over he will be forced to face his doubts about the unequivocal spectrum of human life when confronted by things unimaginable within his world of reason.
"A holiday tale that gives us continued faith that the mystery of Christmas lives in our hearts and reassurance that mankind might better than we had otherwise dared to hope."
-- Will Moses, Illustrator/Author
