Dec 3, 2002 2 min read

MOUNT PLEASANT – The holiday season is a time for remembering, sharing and giving – especially at Frick Hospital in Mount Pleasant, with the annual kickoff of the hospital’s “Memory Tree Program.” As part of this year’s program in conjunction with the hospital’s centennial celebration, a special campus light up will be held.

Area residents and members of the hospital family are invited to attend this evening of celebration, commemorating 100 years of history.

Frick Hospital’s “Memory Tree Program,” implemented more than 15 years ago, offers a special opportunity for remembering and recognizing friends and loved ones during the holiday season. Interested individuals may purchase a light or lights in memory or in honor of a special person for a minimum of $10 per person per light.

Donors and honorees will be recognized at the light-up ceremony, which will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10. All festivities will be held under a heated tent at the entrance to the hospital campus.

Immediately following the lighting of the “Memory Tree,” which will remain lit throughout the holiday season and into the New Year, the entire medical campus will be lit as a special tribute to the hospital’s centennial.

Proceeds from the “Memory Tree Program” will be used to support Lifeline Emergency Response, a personal response system that offers peace of mind and independence to subscribers as well as respite and reassurance for concerned family members and caregivers.

Contributions will be accepted until today for inclusion in the program booklet. After today, contributions will still be accepted, however, names will not appear in the program.

In addition to the light-up ceremony, special remarks and musical selections will be presented, highlighting the symbolism of light and memories as part of the evening program.

“Over the years, the ‘Memory Tree Program’ has continued to be a huge success with the support of our hospital family and the communities we serve,” said Ruth Johnson, Frick volunteer manager. “Initially, 200 lights were purchased as part of the first ‘Memory Tree’ in 1988 and each year the number of lights has continued to grow.”

Johnson adds that last year alone more than 500 lights were purchased. Since the program’s inception, approximately $56,371 has been raised.

For more information about the program and ceremony, call 724-547-1037.