Winchester Medical Center’s Auxiliary Hosts 37th Annual Lights of Love Tree Lighting Ceremony

Winchester Medical Center’s Auxiliary hosted the community for the 37th annual Lights of Love tree lighting ceremony on December 1st. The event took place on the hospital grounds.

“The Lights of Love tree lighting ceremony is a cherished tradition that brings our community together in a beautiful and meaningful way. Each light represents a story of love, remembrance, and hope. We are deeply grateful for the continued support and generosity of our community members, whose contributions help us illuminate not just the trees, but also the lives of those in need through the vital services of Valley Health Cancer Center and Blue Ridge Hospice,” said Tootie Rinker, President of the Auxiliary.

The Lights of Love fundraising campaign provides community members with a heartfelt opportunity to donate $5 or more to illuminate a light on the beautiful spruce trees in front of the hospital. Each light is dedicated in memory or in honor of a loved one or special person in their lives. A note card is sent to announce the gift to the honoree, and each name is entered in the Honor Book.

Dedicated community members come every year, despite the cold, to honor their special loved ones, watch the tree lighting, and start the holiday season. This year, those present included many previously honored Tree Lighters, Auxiliary members and hospital employees. They were entertained by students of the Employee Child Care Center, as well as members of the hospital’s Music Therapy Department.

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the “tree lighter,” a volunteer chosen by the Auxiliary to honor their significant contributions to the Winchester Medical Center community. This special individual was revealed at the ceremony. This year's honorary tree lighter was Helena Catapano, who is the current treasurer of the Auxiliary.

The Lights of Love trees on the Winchester Medical Center campus are lit throughout December. For just $5, you can buy a light for the tree. This is a wonderful gift to honor your teacher, mail carrier, minister, babysitter or some other special person. It’s a way to honor the people you love or to remember those whom you’ve lost. Proceeds from this year’s Lights of Love will benefit Valley Health Cancer Center and Blue Ridge Hospice, supporting their vital services and programs.

For more information about the Lights of Love campaign or to donate, please contact our website: https://www.valleyhealthlink.com/winchester-medical-center/volunteer/lights-of-love/