Light-A-Light

The Light-A-Light project, the oldest Friends fund-raising event, was created in 1989 by founding members of the board.

 This year's tree-lighting was the magical beginning to a great holiday season at children's hospital. Thanks so much to all the donators of toys and goodies for the patients who stayed with us during the holiday season. Linda Allen, along with two special patients, lit both Christmas trees on Tuesday, December 9th, during the tree-lighting ceremony. Patients and their families came together in the lobby to watch the ceremony and then enjoyed a dancer concert as Ballet Mississippi performed excerpts from The Nutcracker.

"That was my favorite part, watching them dance," one little girl said, "I want to be a ballerina when I grow up."

The interior and exterior of the children's hospital lobby is transformed at Christmas time. Windows are painted to show festive scenes, the trees are decorated and oversized candy pieces are wound into the garland wrapping the poles in the lobby.

Anyone can "light a light" on the Batson Hospital Christmas Tree with a $10 contribution. These brightly colored lights shine on the large tree in front of the children's hospital. An acknowledgment card will be sent to the honoree or to the family of the person memorialized. There is also a separate tree of Eternal Lights that you may also choose to light with a special contribution of $250. Eternal Lights shine brightly every year with the name of the person honored. Each Eternal Light honoree will be remembered annually at the lighting of the tree. You can give a loving gift to the sick and injured children of Mississippi and honor your loved ones when you "light a light" on the Batson Hospital Christmas tree. Please light a light to shine for the patients at Mississippi's ONLY children's hospital.

The Light-A-Light for Children project is Friend's oldest fundraising project and in 2009 we will celebrate 20 years of this great fundraiser to help the children at Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children celebrate the holidays. If you would like more information about Light-A-Light, please contact Melanie Schade at 601-984-5273.