Light-A-Light

Despite cancellation of the annual tree-lighting ceremony because of flu concerns, the 20th annual Light-A-Light for Children raised more than $26,000. This annual holiday tradition began 20 years ago when founding Friends board members wanted to brighten the holidays for the patients. Now supporters from around the country light "Lights" on the Batson Hospital Christmas Tree in honor of their family and friends.

Special thanks to Ballet Mississippi for taking donations during The Nutcracker performances and for encouraging their dancers to purchase Lights. Ballet Mississippi then matched the donations made by all the students and families. NickTrees Christmas tree sale also helped by displaying a "Batson Tree of Hope" adorned with a paper chain featuring the names of patients. Both of these groups helped make this year's project a success. Thousands of acknowledgment cards were mailed to honorees around the country and several even made their way across the Atlantic Ocean.

"I am overwhelmed at how successful this year was for our Light-A-Light project. This is really a project the community can get behind and with several small donations, we can make a difference. Thank you to everyone who purchased Lights; we could not have done this without you," said Mechelle Keeton, Light a Light chairman.