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Inaugural Luminary Event Lights up the City of Waco

WACO, TX, December 1, 2022 – On Tuesday, November 15, over 300 luminaries lit up the historic Washington Street bridge in Waco as part of the inaugural Lights of Love event hosted by the state’s largest not-for-profit hospice provider, Community Healthcare of Texas – Providence Hospice. Proceeds from the luminary event support compassionate care for pediatric and adult patients across the Waco area facing a serious or life-limiting illness.

Each luminary was donated in memory or honor of someone, and as the sun set on the clear, cool night, friends and family gathered for a self-guided walk across the bridge.

“There was a sense of comfort in the silence on the bridge that night, and it felt like a sacred experience,” said Community Healthcare of Texas – Providence Hospice Advisory Council member Barbara Powell. “It was incredibly moving to see not just the luminaries I had donated but also to see so many other families gathering together around luminaries to reflect on the memories of their loved ones.”

For Powell, one luminary, in particular, made the Lights of Love event especially meaningful. “One of the luminaries I donated was in honor of a long-time family friend,” explained Powell. “A few days after the event, my friend passed away. I was so grateful I had taken the time to honor her that night, and now I’m looking forward to next year and the opportunity to place another luminary on the bridge in her memory.”

Karen Derrick, Chief Development Office for Community Healthcare of Texas – Providence Hospice, said she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for the event. “I am incredibly grateful to those who donated luminaries, our volunteers, and our event sponsors,” stated Derrick. “Also, the City of Waco went above and beyond to help us find the perfect location for Lights of Love this year. It was a very special evening, and we look forward to making this an annual Waco tradition.”

About Community Healthcare of Texas-Providence Hospice

As the largest not-for-profit hospice and palliative care provider in Texas, Community Healthcare of Texas – Providence Hospice has provided end-of-life care services for adult and pediatric patients since 1996. With five office locations and two inpatient hospice houses, Community Healthcare of Texas-Providence Hospice serves 25 Dallas, Fort Worth, and Waco counties. 

For more information or to learn more about Community Healthcare of Texas-Providence Hospice, please contact Deidrea Laux at dlaux@chot.org or call (817)929-9135 or visit www.chot.org.

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