The event, presented by the Partners of BDCH, opened with a welcome from CEO Kim Miller, followed by an introduction of the Partners Tree of Lights Coordinators.

Partners Co-President Gail Hope Henschel paid tribute to Alice “Peg” Gerbitz, who was instrumental in the organizing the Tree of Lights since its inception and passed away this year. The tears continued to flow later in the celebration as Lisa White, BDCH Director of Home Care and Hospice, followed the Tree of Lights Choral Ensemble by introducing a pair of families touched by Hospice.

Remembering their loved ones, the families of Patricia Wetzel and Chuck Williams spoke to the invaluable service Hospice provides, and what that service has meant to their lives.

A prayer led by the Rev. Scott Roen, Harvest Church, preceded the procession to the Cafeteria and the official lighting of the trees. Hospice families helped mark the lighting with a festive countdown. The beautifully lit trees displayed in front of the hospital offer a glowing, visual remembrance of those living and deceased.

After the ceremonial tree lighting, refreshments were then served in the cafeteria.

Over the past 21 years, more than $375,000 has been raised by the Tree of Lights. Proceeds are shared with BDCH’s Hillside Lifeline and Hospice Care. The Partners of BDCH will publish a special recognition insert in the Daily Citizen in January, listing all donors and those they wish to honor and remember.