The Fannin Regional Hospital Auxiliary honored former president Sarah Lanning at their annual Love Lights Tree Lighting Ceremony Tuesday, December 3.
While president, Lanning worked to secure a permanent, planted tree to alleviate issues that had occurred with prior trees due to weather.
“She went to the then relatively new CEO David Sanders and convinced him, as only Sarah can do, that a permanent, planted tree was the solution,” current President Shirley Copeland said. “It didn’t take a lot of convincing when she outlined the picture of the fallen tree sitting there with it’s lights all dulled by mud.”
Through a partnership, the auxiliary and the hospital purchased the new tree and planted it in front of the hospital.
“We have often referred to the tree as Miss Sarah’s Love Lights Tree,” Copeland said. “Tonight we make that a continuing reality as we dedicate the Love Lights Christmas to Sarah Lanning in appreciation of her tireless service and her leadership through the years. This plaque will hang near our Love Lights poster.”
Copeland continued to express her appreciation to Lanning by giving her a Christmas tree pin and saying, “Sarah, we love you and we honor you. I have a little Christmas tree pin for you as a keepsake and reminder that the Sarah Lanning Love Lights Christmas Tree will continue to shine for many years to come.”