Lights of Love Tree Lit At U.P. Health System–Portage

For years, locals have been lighting the tree at UP Health System- Portage in memory and honor of their loved ones. Portage Health Auxiliary President Barb Worrall says the Lights of Love celebration gives people a chance to donate in the name of a lost friend or family member or a deserving person or group in their life.

Worrall said, “Residents of the community can make donations to memorialize someone or to honor someone. When the tree is lighted, then we will read their names and have just a quiet moment to remember and honor these people.”

Donations from the ceremony are going to a great cause. The money goes into a scholarship fund for students in the area who want to pursue a career in the health and medical field.

Worrall said, “This is so important for two reasons. One reason is just the opportunity to honor or memorialize someone, people who have been very dear to us. The other thing is the support of the scholarship fund. This is the main support for those scholarships. Last year we were able to award eight $1,000 scholarships to students from the area.”

The ceremony was well attended. With music from the Hancock High School Band, it was the perfect way to honor and remember loved ones this season.