Hospice honors loved ones
By Jessica Shaw
Community members will gather tonight at 5:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall of R.E. Lee Memorial Episcopal Church on Washington Street to honor loved ones who have died.
The ceremony, called "Light Up a Life," is sponsored by Rockbridge Area Hospice. Donations help provide services for its patients.
"I'd have to say [it is] our most successful fundraiser," said Mickey Watkins, coordinator of social work and volunteers for Hospice. "I think a lot of it ties in with people and their thoughts about loved ones at the holidays."
The fundraiser began about a decade ago and has seen enormous success. Last year, it raised $24,000. Families and individuals can purchase colored lights at prices ranging from $10 to $100, all of which goes to Rockbridge Area Hospice.
After an introduction and a ceremony that includes a handbell choir and a presentation of the names of honored loved ones, the group will process to the hospice tree in Hopkins Green.
For the second year in a row, the weather persuaded Hospice to move most of the ceremony indoors. There will be hot cider and cookies.
"We didn't want the weather to be an impediment for people to participate — especially for older people who attend," Watkins said. "It can be pretty hard on them."
There will be a second ceremony at the Maury River Senior Center in Buena Vista at the same time on Friday.
The deadline for purchasing a light was Monday, but Hospice will continue accepting donations at any time.
Rockbridge Area Hospice is a nonprofit organization that provides services to people in the last six months of life. Last year, 40 percent of deaths in Rockbridge County were associated with Hospice.
To learn more about services, or to contribute, contact Mickey Watkins at (540) 463-1848 or visit www.rockbridgeareahospice.org.
Produced by Washington and Lee journalism students.
Lead Supervisor:
Prof. Brian Richardson
Prof. Phylissa Mitchell
Reporting supervisors:
Prof. Doug Cumming
Prof. Pamela Luecke
Technical supervisor: Michael Todd