The 37th annual Love Light Tree-lighting ceremony took place at Fort Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, Dec. 7.
The Fort HealthCare Partners hosted the event on the Sherman Avenue lawn.
Given the honor of throwing the light switch was recently retired Dr. Donald Williams. Both he and Fort HealthCare President and CEO Mike Wallace offered brief remarks that included praise of the front-line workers during the COVID-19 epidemic and encouraging the public to get vaccinations and booster shots.
The Rev. Amy Waelchli of Trinity Lutheran Church offered a holiday message, and two songs — “Jingle Bells” and “O Christmas Tree” — were sung by children attending the Kids Konnection Preschool and their families, accompanied by Jason Lynk on guitar.
Due to the pandemic, the usual post-lighting indoor reception was not held. However, attendees all received holiday goodie bags to take home.
The Love Lights program began in 1985 as a way to acknowledge loved ones who are still living or those that have passed away with colored and white lights, respectively, decorating the hospital trees. Asking a minimum of $2 light, the auxiliary since has been raising money to purchase new equipment, education and services for Fort Memorial Hospital.
Since then, more than $900,000 has been raised to support the hospital and its programs.
Monies from the 2021 Love Lights campaign will be used to help subsidize the cost of the CareLine service for those who cannot afford it, helping them stay independent and in their homes. A medical personal emergency response system allowing subscribers to get emergency help 24/7 at the press of a button, it gives peace of mind to both the subscriber and his or her family.
Additionally, funds will be used to support several healthcare scholarships for students and healthcare professionals in the area.
Fort HealthCare Partners continues to accept Love Lights donations. A donation of $2 or more will add a light to one of the trees on the Fort Memorial Hospital grounds during the holiday season, either as a gift to honor someone (colored light) or as a memorial (white light) for a loved one who has passed away.
Special pledge cards are available upon request to notify a person or a family of the purchase. A donation of $25 or more will designate the donor as a Love Light Tree sponsor.
If mailing in a donation, order forms and instructions are available for download on the campaign’s website. Online donations may be made at FortHealthCare.com/Lovelights.
A $5. minimum is required for online donations, which is automatically for two names. For online purchases, Honor Cards can be emailed to families to show the gift has been in their honor.
To ensure donations are properly recognized in this year’s sponsor and donor listings that are published in late December, Fort HealthCare Partners must receive the donation by Dec. 13.
More information and donations for Love Lights may be viewed at www.FortHealthCare.com/LoveLights.
Persons interested in the Fort HealthCare Partners may call (920) 568-5276 or toll free at 1-800-421-4677 ext. 5276, or visit FortHealthCare.com/Volunteer.
Attendees brave the cold to watch the lighting of the Fort HealthCare Love Light Trees.
Mike Wallace, president and CEO of Fort HealthCare, welcomes attendees to the annual lighting ceremony of the Love Light Trees.
Dr. Donald Williams switches on the Love Lights Tuesday. An internist and pediatrician in Fort Atkinson, he retired in July after a 45-year medical career.
The Rev. Amy Waelchli of Trinity Lutheran Church shares a holiday message during the tree-lighting ceremony.
Three photos above: Children attending the Kids Konnection preschool and their families sing “Jingle Bells” and “O Christmas Tree” during the Love Lights ceremony. Jason Lynk accompanied them on guitar.
Guests admire the Love Light trees after the ceremony Tuesday at Fort Memorial Hospital.
Sherman Avenue is aglow after the lighting of Fort Memorial Hospital’s Love Light trees.
Chris Spangler photos.
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