HELENA – Thursday night hundreds of people in Helena honored their loved ones as they raised money for St. Peter’s Health Hospice.
The 25th annual Light a Life event happened at the Civic Center.
According to St. Peter’s officials, Light a Life has raised $1.3 million since it started, and that money helps people access hospice care even if they can’t afford to pay.
Tim Tilton shared his experience as a hospice family member at the event.
His mother, Amelia Mae Tilton, passed away in January.
“They were just so wonderful to her, for her care, and also for us as a family,” he said. “There’s just so much support and compassion and care. It was really a meaningful time.”
The “memory tree” was a new addition to Light a Life this year.
People were able to write down a cherished memory or a note to a loved one on a holiday ornament, which was used to decorate a tree.
St. Peter’s Health Foundation project manager Bennett MacIntyre says the tree will be displayed at the hospital the rest of the season.
“With it being the holidays, it is a very emotional time of the year,” said MacIntyre. “Especially when you think back about loved ones in your life. So it’s really a neat opportunity to come experience and share memories of loved ones.”
MacIntyre said so far, they have raised about $70,000. He expects they’ll raise closer to $80,000 for hospice care by the end of the year.
As part of Light a Life, a tree was lit outside the Civic Center.
