By Steve Huffman
shuffman@salisburypost.com
A sure sign of the holidays was evidenced Monday with the lighting of the Tree of Hope at Rowan Regional Medical Center.
About 100 people gathered in the courtyard outside the hospital for the grand event, a tradition that’s at least 30 years old.
Music was provided by members of Amadeus Youth Chorus, their last song punctuated by the Tree of Hope’s lighting.
The tree is sponsored by members of the Rowan Regional Medical Center Auxiliary. Members raise money by asking people to donate $10 for a light on the tree in honor of a loved one or friend. Donations are tax deductible.
Exactly how much is raised through the event has yet to be realized. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 17.
All proceeds go to charitable projects in the medical center or to “enhance patient morale and comfort.”
“Everything goes to patients and their families,” said Carole Simmons, project chairman. “Nothing goes for machines or anything like that.”
A card acknowledging each gift is sent to the honoree or to the family of the person whose memory is honored. Names received by Dec. 8 will also be published in one of two listings in the Salisbury Post. A list of all contributions will appear in the Dec. 28 Post.
Monday’s event had all the feel of a Christmas gathering. Held at dusk, a brisk wind blew through the courtyard, making the already nippy conditions seem colder still.
Sarah Hall, who along with Dr. Phillip Burgess directed the Amadeus Youth Chorus, noted the group’s second song, “Old Man Winter,” was especially appropriate considering the evening’s cold.