SGMC hosts Love Light candle ceremony

The holidays are a time to honor and memorialize friends and family. SGMC invites the public to attend its first Love Light candle ceremonies at South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta, Dec. 8 at 6 pm, and SGMC Lanier Campus in Lakeland, Dec. 13 at 6pm.  Ceremonies are held in conjunction with the SGMC Foundation’s annual holiday tribute mail appeal, Love Light.This year’s Love Light allows donors to recognize friends, family, or employees with a tax-deductible contribution of $15 per person. Donations to the main campus appeal benefit programs and patients served at the Pearlman Cancer Center. Donations to the Lanier Campus Love Light can benefit three different initiatives in the Lakeland community, the General Fund, Lakeland Villa, or Jay Shaw Scholarship Fund. Nell Roquemore, Lakeland resident and annual Love Light donor, says she donates to the appeal because she knows the program serves a good cause. “I am very proud of the hospital, and its presence in the Lakeland community,” says Roquemore.Honorees receive a special card notifying them of the recognition and the names of memorials and honorariums are listed online at www.sgmc.org/lovelight. Gift amounts remain confidential.Cindy Vardeman is also an annual Love Light donor and employee of SGMC. She knows this season can be difficult for those who have lost loved ones. “I give to Love Light in hopes that it will lift those friends and family members up and let them know that their loved ones are remembered,” says Vardeman. She also enjoys the feeling of giving back to her workplace and work family.Vardeman says she is eager to attend the first candle lighting ceremony.“It’s important to support the effort of our Foundation and volunteers at this meaningful event.”For more information, please contact Courtney Orr, SGMC Foundation Coordinator, at 229-433-1073 or visit www.sgmc.org/lovelight.