Jackie Thornton, Director of the Hopkins County Memorial Hospital Foundation,
welcomed guests to the Thursday night's Lights of Life Tree Lighting ceremony.

 

14th Annual Lights of Life Tree Lit Amidst
"The Big Chill"

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

The SS High School Choir lent their voices to a number of favorite Christmas songs.

 

In what has become a tradition as one of the coldest nights of the year, this year was no exception, as the annual Lights of Light Christmas Tree lighting was conducted at Hopkins County Memorial Hospital, on Thursday night. Cold winds blew, as temperatures dropped, and the large crowd of attendees "shivered" throughout the ceremony, held in the parking lot, due to the grounds being too wet.

 

The Sulphur Springs High School Jazz Band.

 

Following the welcome, the Sulphur Springs High School Jazz Band and the Sulphur Springs High School Choir entertained the crowd with a series of favorite Christmas songs. Then, Thornton called on Mickey McKenzie, Chairman of the Health Care Foundation, for brief remarks. He outlined the main functions and projects of the foundation and invited everyone to the Lights of Life Gala, on January 16, 2010.

 

 

Mickey McKenzie, Chairman of the Hospital Foundation, invited guests to the 2010 Lights
of Life Gala, in January 2010.

 

The Sulphur Springs Middle School Choir performed traditional Christmas carols.

 

Remarks by Michael McAndrew, CEO of Hopkins Co. Memorial Hospital, were received, following selections from the Sulphur Springs Middle School Choir.  The "Doctor's Choir," was back with their own songs, by popular demand. Then, Craig and Jennifer Roberts, assisted by their son, Mark, did the "countdown" for the arrival of Santa Claus. Santa arrived via an ambulance, to the delight of all the boys and girls, and some that possibly were a little too old to be wishing for Santa!

 

The "Doctor's Choir," back by popular demand, lent their songs to Friday night's activities.

 

Mark Roberts, center, joined his parents, Craig and Jennifer, in counting down for Santa's arrival.

 

 

The evening concluded with pictures with Santa, and the most popular item being hot chocolate, served by the Hopkins County Memorial Hospital Ladies Auxillary.

This year's sponsors include: Star Sponsors, GSC Enterprises, Inc. and HCMH Volunteer Auxillary; Sparkle Sponsors, Advanced Heart Care, Carriage House Manor, Alliance Bank, and Rock Creek Health and Rehab; Glitter Sponsors, A.K. Gillis & Sons, Robins and Morton, West Oaks Funeral Home, and WHR Architects, Inc.; Glow Sponsors, ABC Autoplex, HHA Services, Dr. L.L. & Deborah Balkcom, IV, Horizon Health Corp., Dr. Sherri Barclay, Dr. Han Pham Hulen, Buster Paving, Dr. Charles Jones, Dr. Tod Conner, M&F Western Wear, City National Bank, Masters Foundation, City National Bank, Medicine Chest, Coca-Cola, Copy Products, Memorial Physicians Service, Cypress Home Care, Net Data, Dr. Bill & Peggy Dietze, Richard Drake Construction, Edward Jones Investments, Texas Heritage National Bank, Feeders Supply, Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals & Clinics, Guaranty Bond Bank, and Dr. & Mrs. Philip White; and Twinkle Sponsors, Dr. Darren Arnecke, Dr. Sharon Hatcher, Butch and Patsy Bolton, Dr. Michael Hines, Clayton Homes, Dr. Jeffry Huffman, Dr. Daryl Doughtie & Dr. Laura Kosub, Dr. Cynthia King, Family Foot Specialists, Legacy Ag Credit, Farm Country, Michael and Sandra McAndrews, Frost Bank, Morningstar Foods, Wayne and Wanda Galyean, Professional Land and Title Company, Gloria Mitchell Insurance, Dr. David Sargent, Dr. William Goldman, and Dr. Somjai Tris.

 

Santa arrived via an ambulance, with flashing lights.

 

 

"But, Jackie, aren't you a little bit old for Santa Claus?"

 

"But, we promise we've been good girls!"

 

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