Event commemorates loved ones, raises funds

By Jane Myhra

Parker Boris was the door prize winner at the Love Lights ceremony. He attended the event in memory of his great-grandmother Francis Cameron. Jane Myhra Photo

Memorial lights helped raise funds for residential care at the 14th annual Love Lights event held at Iola Living Assistance on Thursday, Dec. 3.

The Love Lights event raised $3,235 for the ILA Wish List Foundation. Another $212 was raised through the bake sale.

The Love Lights fundraiser continues through December, with the total expected to exceed $4,000.

The money will be used to purchase specialized resident care equipment to enhance the “home-like” environment for residents, such as special adaptive equipment, televisions, music and reclining chairs.

“Marie Malone was the spark plug behind the bake sale and kept it going,” said ILA Administrator Greg Loeser, who served as master of ceremonies. “Marie left us this year.”

Ruth Johnson read the “in honor of” list, and Mike Mazemke read the “in memory” names.

Loeser read the poem “A Cup of Christmas Tea.”

The Hitterdahl Community Choir performed and led the singing of traditional Christmas carols.