On Tuesday, November 17, the Auxiliary of Memorial Hospital will launch its 26th Annual Tree of Lights fundraising campaign. By purchasing a light for the Memorial Hospital holiday tree, donors have an opportunity to honor their friends and family members while raising money that benefits programs and services of the hospital.
The community is invited to the Tree of Lights tree lighting ceremony on Tuesday, November 17 at 4:30 p.m. at the front lobby entrance to Memorial Hospital, 219 S. Washington Street in Easton. Festivities will include refreshments and entertainment. In keeping with tradition, the lighting of the tree in the front circle of the hospital will mark the beginning of Easton’s holiday season. The tree will stay illuminated until the first of the New Year.
This year, the Auxiliary’s Tree of Lights fundraiser will benefit the youngest children cared for in the hospital’s pediatrics unit. Funds raised will be used to purchase equipment which monitors heart and respiration rates of infants at risk for apnea, a pause in or absence of breathing that can lead to sudden infant death. Each monitor costs $3,500 and the pediatrics unit could use several of these devices to replace the existing monitoring system.
“The use of the apnea monitor in the hospital reassures parents because they know that their infant is being closely monitored and that medical professionals are there to respond to the alarm,” says Linda Yungbluth, clinical specialist for respiratory care at Shore Health System.
The community can support the Tree of Lights fundraiser by making a donation to purchase a light for the Memorial Hospital holiday tree. A one-season donation of $5 buys a red or gold light. The red light honors family members and friends, living or deceased. The gold light honors people serving in the military. A $100 contribution purchases a white Life Light, which will be lit each year.
“Purchasing an annual light or a Life Light is also a unique way to commemorate special occasions, to offer thanksgiving and to show appreciation,” says Rosalie Bryan, chair of Memorial Hospital Auxiliary’s Tree of Lights campaign. “The name of each person recognized through the purchase of any light will be displayed on scrolls hung in the main lobby at Memorial Hospital throughout the holiday season.”
For more information about the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Tree of Lights fundraiser, call 410-822-1000, ext. 5839.