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In spite of the chill in the air, snow flurries
and in some places hazardous road conditions, a good crowd came out
for the ceremony.
Each year, the ALMH Foundation holds the Light Up a Life to bring to
remembrance those who have left this world and to also honor those
who loved them and cared for them until their passing, including the
doctors and nursing staff at ALMH.
Donations are made in the names of loved ones lost and also in honor
of those who provided care. The funds go to the foundation and are
redistributed annually to support the hospital and the community.
Included in the work of the foundation is the presentation of
scholarships for those wishing to pursue medical careers. Funds are
also used to help secure equipment and other tools of the trade for
the hospital.
The foundation this past year was also instrumental in bringing the
outdoor exercise park to the downtown area. The Fitness Court was
funded, and grants were secured through the foundation and the
Community Health Collaborative. The court was then constructed at
the site of the former ALMH facility on Eighth Street.
Foundation dollars also assist in some of the community work that is
done through the Community Health Collaborative.
On Tuesday evening the service was led by Chaplain Donna Berte, who
welcomed guests and asked that everyone take a moment to silence
their hearts and call to remembrance their loved one's passed. She
then offered up the opening prayer.
After the prayer, the lighting of hand held candles
by all the guests followed as Becky Cecil read the poem “Light a
candle.”
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Berte thanked everyone for coming. The white tree on
the far side of the patio was then lit.
Following the lighting, the group sang the songs O' Christmas Tree
and Silent Night.
Guests were then invited to come inside and enjoy the warmth while
dining on a soup supper provided by the hospital and foundation.
All donors and the names of the people they chose to remember or
honor will be published in Lincoln Daily News starting on Friday
December 21st and running through the month of January.
[Nila Smith]
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