Although the night air was chilling on Monday night, Hannah Langston was warmed from the inside as she stood outside the Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

“Papa would’ve been so proud of us all being here,” Langston, a Flowery Branch resident, said of her now deceased father.

Like more than 100 other bundled up attendees, Langston and her family gathered at the hospital for the annual Love Light tree lighting ceremony.

The event was started 30 years ago by the Medical Center Auxiliary, with Anne Thomas serving as the founding chair.

During the ceremony, those in attendance were serenaded by the Lakeview Academy Singers, North Hall High School Brass Ensemble, Centennial Arts Academy Honors Chorus and Michelle Alexander. The group was also treated to complimentary hot apple cider and Christmas cookies by the auxiliary group.

The lighting of the tree is used as a tangible memorial for loved ones who are no longer living and also as a fundraiser for Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center, which provides end-of-life care for terminally ill patients.

“Since 1980, Love Lights has raised $1.6 million,” said Carol Burrell, medical center chief operating officer.

“And I am proud to say that to date, Love Lights has raised $75,000 (for the 2009 campaign).”

Last year, the program raised $112,000.

For a minimum donation of $10 for a light, $100 for a star or $500 for an angel, donors can honor their loved ones with an adornment for the Love Lights tree. The donations are tax deductible and will be accepted through Jan. 31. No matter how small the monetary donation, hospital staff say that each gift has made a large impact in the community.

“This year alone, we have cared for almost 900 terminally ill patients — that’s 900 families that have had their lives turned upside down this year,” said Teresa Warren, hospice director.

“Hospice makes a very real difference in the lives of our patients, but none of it would be possible without the support of our community.”