The Obici Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers have hosted the &uot;Tree of Lights&uot; event for many years, but this year’s will be special since it is the first at the new Obici Hospital. The event will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5,

The entire community is invited to witness an evening of seasonal musical selections by the Nansemond-Suffolk Academy Chorus and the illumination of the tree. Following the ceremony all are invited inside to enjoy hot cider, punch and cookies and to greet Santa Claus.

According to Becky Anderson, president of the Obici Hospital Auxiliary Volunteer Program, funds are raised by the group through the sell of the lights which illuminate the tree and lights are sold in honor of or in memory of friends and loved ones. &uot;This is a very special way to honor someone who is dear to you,&uot; she said. An acknowledgement is then sent to announce that a light has been purchased in honor or memory of a person or group.

The &uot;Tree of Lights&uot; program is one of the largest fundraisers for the auxiliary and one that is usually well supported and eagerly anticipated by the community. Officials at Obici have arranged for the special tree to be planted in the courtyard off the veranda where the Christmas Tree will be visible from most of the patient rooms as well as from the Courtyard Caf dining area.

There are two different categories for which lights may be purchased. The first is a $5 light from the tree and the second is a $100 light for the star at the top of the tree. You may contact any member of the Auxiliary Volunteers or call the hospital Volunteer Office at 934-4789 for more information about this event or about how you can become a hospital volunteer.