Submitted

The tree lighting service of the Novant Health Rowan Medical Center Auxiliary Tree of Hope project took place on Thursday evening, Dec. 1.

Teresa McKinney, auxiliary president ,welcomed the group gathered in the hospital lobby. Dari Caldwell, NHRMC president, spoke briefly about the tradition of this project and thanked those who generously donate through this annual event. Dr. Randy Kirby of First Presbyterian Church led the group in prayer. Nancy Lynn and Carole Simmons, co-chairs of the project, announced that the funds donated would go toward a mobile 3D Mammography Coach. In a surprise to Sandy Morrison, manager of the hospital gift shop, it was announced by Rick Parker, NHRMC Foundation director, that a plaque would be placed inside the new coach honoring Mrs. Morrison. With over 30 years of service to the medical center, Mrs. Morrison is a major asset to the auxiliary and is an inspiration to all who work with her.

Dotty Clement, pianist, accompanied the group who sang Christmas carols prior to the official lighting of the tree in the main courtyard of the medical center. A reception followed the lighting. Members of the Projects Committee are Jane Creech, Pat Featherston, Blanche Glover, Sandi Melton, Betty Roof, Annie Serwan and Zandra Spencer.

Information forms for donations are available in the hospital gift shop, a great place for your Christmas shopping. You may contribute to the Tree of Hope until Dec. 31. For your recipients to be listed in the second publication of those honored or memorialized in the Salisbury Post, your donation must be received by Dec. 12. The names of all who contribute to the Tree of Hope will appear in the Jan. 1 paper.