ROME — Rome Health Twigs held their annual Tree Lighting ceremony in front of Rome Health Sunday evening, Dec. 4.

It was the 34th year the Twigs have held the event, which started back in 1989. The event was created to be an annual fundraiser for the organization to help in the purchase of equipment and support needed throughout Rome Health.

Several community members donated $5 or more to honor a living person, remember a deceased loved one, or to express thanks. Each light on the tree represents a gift of love and remembrance to those during the holiday season.

Hubbard Tool & Die were the sponsor of this year’s tree lighting. Their donation of $1,000 makes it possible for the dollars from each light purchased from a family or loved one to go directly to the equipment or support at Rome Health.

The turnout for this year’s event was one of the largest in recent years, hospital officials said. With more than 80 participants joining the Twigs in the celebration, there were drinks, cookies, and the singing of Christmas carols, which were all part of the night before the big moment when everyone went out to the front of Rome Health for the lighting of the Christmas tree. The tree is placed above the top of the hospital lobby entrance.

Another part of the tree lighting ceremony is the honorary tree lighter. This year’s honor went to Jim Marquette for his many years of service to Rome Health.

“It means a lot to be honored by the Twigs since have been working with them for over 42 years,” said Marquette. “It’s quite a privilege to be asked to light the Christmas tree this year.”

Marquette was joined by family and friends for the lighting and with a 10-second count down and the press of a button, the tree lit the sky along with the words, “Happy Holidays,” written in lights along the sides of Rome Health.