Rain couldn’t stifle the spirits of those who attended the 31^st-annual Lights of Love tree-lighting ceremony at Vidant Beaufort Hospital.

Tuesday night, residents of Washington and the surrounding community turned out to see the towering evergreen tree in front of the hospital light up in honor of loved ones. Residents could donate $5 or more to have a light for their loved one included on the tree.

Lights of Love has grown into a year-round project in its three decades, as a way to give back to the hospital.

“Donations to Lights of Love are used to fund projects that promote health care education, improve community wellness, support and enhance patient care and provide amenities that make our hospital more comfortable for patients and visitors,” a press release stated.

John Cotten Tayloe’s chorus and the St. John’s Church of Christ Men’s Choir were on hand to provide entertainment for visitors.

Guests were also invited to the hospital lobby for pictures with Santa and to view the artwork from the children’s art contest, which was for kindergartners through fifth-graders. Prizes for first-, second- and third-place winners were awarded in each grade, as well as an overall prize for Best of Show.

Harvey Case, president of Vidant Beaufort, spoke briefly to the crowd Tuesday, saying he was glad to see everyone turn out despite the weather.

He said the hospital staff looks forward to the Lights of Love event every year and enjoys being a part of the tradition.

According to Case, the medical staff is honored to serve as the community’s hospital and is grateful for the support.

 

And the winners are…

BEST OF SHOW

Lena Foucart, fifth grade, Bath Elementary

 

KINDERGARTEN

First place – Noah Bailey, Eastern Elementary

Second place – Lillie Hopkins, Northeast Elementary

Third place – Ayina Smith, Chocowinity Primary

 

FIRST GRADE

First place – Brody Cherry, Washington Montessori

Second place – Madilynn Moore, Chocowinity Primary

Third place – Mallory Robinson, Bath Elementary

 

SECOND GRADE

First place – Zeke Blackmon, Washington Montessori

Second place – Ella Kate Hanna, Bath Elementary

Third place – Madalynn Cutler, Northeast Elementary

 

THIRD GRADE

First place – Keegan Torres, Terra Ceia Christian School

Second place – Jarryn Payne, John Cotten Tayloe

Third place – Molly West, Chocowinity Primary

 

FOURTH GRADE

First place – Kimberly Mendoza, John Small Elementary

Second place – Maggie Swindell, Pungo Christian Academy

Third place – Kevin Berrelleza, Northeast Elementary

 

FIFTH GRADE

First place – Gavin Story, Bath Elementary

Second place – JahQueol Blackledge, John Small Elementary

Third place – Hasan Moss, S.W. Snowden Elementary