|
|
             |
Posted January 2009 19th Annual Light-A-Light raises record amount  The 19th annual tree-lighting celebration at the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children was a wonderful evening for all the patients and visitors to the children's hospital. WJTV News Channel 12 anchor Linda Allen helped light the tree along with two patients, Gabriel Roth of Clinton and Caleb Brewer of Sand Hill. To much applause, the three flipped the oversized switch and officially kicked off the holiday season at Batson. The larger Christmas tree had different colored lights and each one was placed on the tree for a special honoree. All honorees received an acknowledgment card letting them know of this special Christmas gift. The smaller Christmas tree, lit with white lights, is the eternal light tree. Those honored with an eternal light are remembered every year and the honoree or their family receives a card commemorating the light. Following the tree-lighting, the patients were treated to a performance from The Nutcracker by Ballet Mississippi. Each piece was introduced by David Keary, artistic director for Ballet Mississippi, as he told the story of The Nutcracker. Dancers, including everyone's favorite Sugar Plum Fairy, performed in the lobby bringing smiles to the patients. Afterwards, dancers greeted patients and gave them autographed posters from The Nutcracker while the Sugar Plum Fairy made a visit to those children who were not able to leave their rooms. Special guests at the tree-lighting included Margaret Taylor and her family from Louisville. Taylor's daughter Alexis is a longtime Batson patient. Several years ago, Alexis was in the hospital during the holiday season so the Taylor's attended the tree-lighting. This year, Margaret Taylor, whose daughter Bailey dances with Ballet Mississippi, suggested that the dancers perform at Light a Light. "It was certainly a joyous and entertaining evening for our patients and their families. We are grateful to the Taylor family for bringing together the Ballet and the Children's Hospital," said Dr. Owen B. Evans, chairman of pediatrics. Donations are generated for the Children's Hospital when contributors buy a light on the tree. This year was a record year for Light-A-Light with more than $20,000 raised for children's hospital. For more information or to volunteer for the Light-A-Light for Children project, please call 601-984-5273. |