The Tree of Lights ceremony gives families a way to honor and remember relatives and friends. (Photo courtesy of Shore Medical Center)
The Auxiliary of Shore Medical Center celebrated the start of the holiday season on Dec. 7 with its annual Tree of Lights Ceremony in the hospital’s main lobby.
Members of the community were invited to honor or remember family and friends with a Tree of Lights donation in support of the medical center, with each name inscribed in the Tree of Lights book on display in the hospital lobby throughout the season.
Each person recognized were also represented with a light on the tree. The Auxiliary raised $3,500 through Tree of Lights this year.
Donors were invited to attend the ceremony, along with members of Shore Medical Center’s Board of Trustees and staff.
At the ceremony each year, the Auxiliary also honors an individual or group that best helps further the Auxiliary’s causes.
This year, the Auxiliary recognized Shore Medical Center’s Plant Operations department.
“The Plant Operations team ensures the safe operation and maintenance of all building equipment and systems, but they are so much more than that,” Brenda Martello, president of the Auxiliary, said in a news release.
She went on to describe how they keep the hospital’s patients, visitors and staff safe through the many roles they fulfill, and how the team is always willing to lend a hand to the Auxiliary without hesitation for all of their fundraising events, gift shop and thrift shops.
Members of the Plant Operations team then came up and assisted in lighting the tree.
During the event, violinist Mary Winkel played holiday songs, while guests mingled and members of the Auxiliary passed out treats and snowflake ornaments.
