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Thirty-eighth Annual Light up a
Life tree lighting ceremony a time of remembrance of loved ones lost
[December 03, 2025]
The main lobby of the Lincoln
Memorial Hospital was the setting for the 38th annual Light up a
Life Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Tuesday evening. The
program began at 5:30 p.m. with a familiar face once again leading
the program.
After a four-year absence, Sarah Helm is back in the director chair
of the Lincoln Memorial Hospital foundation.
Before the ceremony she commented
that she was so happy to be back that it was somewhat emotional for
her. She has a personal love for the annual event and is delighted
and humbled to once again be a part of it. Early in the evening,
Helm was busy greeting guests as they came in, and in many cases
enjoying a personal reunion with friends that have come to the
annual ceremony faithfully for many years.
When the clock marked 5:30 p.m.,
Helm stood behind the podium to welcome guests.
She noted to start that it was the
38th annual event. She said it was good to see friends, family,
caregivers and staff on hand. She stated that the event began in
1988 as a means to honor the lives that were lost in the care of the
hospital.
She went on to speak of the monetary donations that are a big part
of the annual Light up a Life campaign. She said that the money
donated will go toward funding healthcare career education, medical
equipment, the work of the LMH Auxiliary, and community health
programs.
She said thank you to all who were there and said that whether it
was a first time coming or a long-standing tradition, the presence
of everyone there added to the light.
Helm then called upon Chaplain Ryan
Travis to deliver an opening prayer.
Following the prayer LMH employee
Angela Whiteman read aloud the theme poem “Light a Candle.” When she
had finished all guests lit their candles then sang “O Christmas
Tree,’ led by LMH employee Alyssa Schmidt. With the song completed
Helm returned to the podium for the countdown for the lighting of
the tree that stood just outside in front of the tall lobby windows.
[to top of second column] |
Hear the poem and watch
the annual lighting of the Light up a Life tree - video.
Chaplain Travis then delivered the
closing prayer and Schmidt returned to the podium to lead the group
in the singing of “Silent Night.”
When the song was completed, Helm announced that there was a supper
to be served at the Woods Café that included chili or chicken noodle
soup along with choice of turkey, ham, or roast beef sandwich, and a
nicely decorated Christmas tree shaped sugar cookie. Guests had the
option to enjoy their meal in the dining area or have in bagged up
to take home for later.
Included in the annual Light up a
Life campaign is the publication of all the names of those who have
donated to this year’s campaign along with the names of the people
they are honoring with their gift.
That list of names will be published in Lincoln Daily News starting
on Christmas Eve.
[Nila Smith]
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