The Saint Joseph's Auxiliary hosted the 32nd annual Light of Love Celebration at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital, recognizing Emory Saint Joseph's nurses and the memory of Auxiliary volunteers who passed away in 2014. The event was attended by staff, guests, volunteers and physicians to introduce the holiday season at the hospital.

The Auxiliary dedicates the tree to a department or program within the hospital and this year, this honor was presented to Emory Saint Joseph's nurses in recognition of their 5th Magnet® designation. Emory Saint Joseph's is one of only three hospitals in the world and the only community hospital to achieve this honor from the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program®. Emory Saint Joseph's is a member of Emory Healthcare, the only health care system in the state to have two Magnet designated hospitals, which also includes Emory University Hospital.

During the Light of Love fundraiser, the community had the opportunity to purchase lights in honor or memory of a loved one. The proceeds from this year's celebration will be used to purchase new whiteboards in patient rooms, further improving communication between the nursing staff and patients.

During the celebration, a barbershop quartet performed a variety of holiday songs and a time of remembrance was dedicated to deceased volunteers. After reading aloud the name of each person, family members in attendance were presented with roses and a lighted angel in their memory. Additionally, each volunteer was recognized for their many years of service in caring for patients and their families in all areas of the hospital.

"The Auxiliary is a remarkably strong organization, and for 63 years, the volunteers have helped our staff carry on the mission and traditions of the hospital every day. We are so appreciative of the Saint Joseph's Auxiliary for their service to the hospital," says Craig McCoy, CEO of Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital.