"Lights of Love" ceremony set for Dec. 5

The 15th annual "Lights of Love" tree lighting ceremony will be held Dec. 5 at 2:30 p.m. in the main lobby of University Hospital.

Film star and local resident Sissy Spacek will be the emcee and Hollymead Elementary School's Children's Choir will perform seasonal music.

The tree will be lit by a pediatric patient who will "wave a magic wand" while the crowd does a countdown. Santa will be on hand to give candy to the children.

Each year the U.Va. Hospital Auxiliary, which sponsors the Lights of Love program, selects a beneficiary within the Medical Center community. This year's recipient will be the Emergency Department, which will use donations for the newly renovated pediatric area to help create a comfortable environment for children and their families.

Donors sponsor a light on one of two trees (one indoor, one outdoor) by making a gift in honor or in memory of a person special to them. A light may be sponsored for as little as $5. Names of donors and those honored or remembered by a light will be listed in the Book of Memory in the main lobby.

For information or to receive a brochure, call the Volunteer and Auxiliary Office at 924-5251.