Friends Foundation Giving Tree Starts November 25

Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital’s Friends Foundation Healing, Hope and Happiness Giving Tree starts Monday, November 25, and will continue through Friday, December 20, with ornaments placed on the Christmas tree in the hospital’s lobby.

“The Giving Tree is a seasonal time to remember, honor, and celebrate those you love with a gift to support Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital,” said Holli Ledbetter, Friends Foundation director. “Our first giving tree fundraiser was in November of 2003, and during that year 100 names were memorialized on our tree. The proceeds purchased a cardiac monitor for the emergency room.”

That small event started what would become a yearly tradition. Families can purchase an ornament in recognition of new arrivals, military members and loved ones lost.  Proceeds this year, unless earmarked specifically for another purpose, will go toward the hospital’s new medical office building.

Ledbetter added that those who have lost a loved one this past year can contact the Friends Foundation and a complimentary dove with the name of the loved one will be placed on the tree. A special listing of all of the giving tree honorees will appear on the hospital’s website and in the holiday issue of the Ste. Genevieve Herald.

Ornaments can be purchased at $15, $30, $50 and $100 levels. Those who would like to purchase an ornament to honor or memorialize a loved one can contact Denise Rottler at 573-883-7781 or drottler@sgcmh.org. Secure payments may be made online through the hospital’s website, www.stegenevievehospital.org.

(Information in a release from Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital.)