Photos: Friends of Children’s Hospital events light tree, delight patients
Published on Monday, December 12, 2022
Photos By: Joe Ellis and Melanie Thortis/ UMMC Communications
Children’s of Mississippi inpatients and specialty clinic patients got their pick of stocking stuffers during Friends of Children’s Hospital’s Santa’s Workshop event Dec. 6. BankPlus Presents Light-A-Light, Friends’ oldest fundraiser, included HGTV stars Ben and Erin Napier and their daughter Helen flipping the switch to light the 25-foot Christmas tree in front of the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower. Performances by Ballet Mississippi dancers and visits with Santa Claus were also part of the fun.
A 25-foot Christmas tree at Children's of Mississippi was aglow after BankPlus Presents Light-A-Light.
Children's of Mississippi patient Elijah Walls of Greenwood is all smiles during his visit to Santa's Workshop, a holiday surprise from Friends of Children's Hospital.
Helen Napier flips the switch to light the Children's of Mississippi Christmas tree as parents Ben and Erin Napier, stars of HGTV's "Home Town," look on.
Children's of Mississippi patient Fe'Leia Taylor of Jackson smiles at her mom, Freida Taylor, during their visit to Santa's Workshop.
Children's of Mississippi patient Luke Alexzander Smith of Philadelphia shows a favorite toy to Santa during BankPlus Presents Light-A-Light.
Children's of Mississippi patient Branson Canley of Mount Olive receives a Christmas stocking from Leslie Campbell, Friends of Children's Hospital community relations and special events manager.
Santa smiles with Children's of Mississippi patient Ella Spinks of Collinsville during BankPlus Presents Light-A-Light.
Savannah Rogers of Brandon picks a holiday surprise while her sister, Children's of Mississippi patient Kaelyn Rogers, looks around Santa's Workshop, held by Friends of Children's Hospital inside the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower.
Ballet Mississippi dancers Mary Mac Penton, left, and Annalisa James perform a Christmas party scene from "The Nutcracker."
Children's of Mississippi outpatient Ayva Nichols of Pearl picks stocking stuffers during a Friends of Children's Hospital event as her mom, Jennifer Nichols, looks on.
HGTV stars Ben and Erin Napier and daughter Helen visit with Santa during BankPlus Presents Light-A-Light.
Santa's Workshop had helpers including, from left, Friends of Children's Hospital Community Relations and Special Events Manager Leslie Owens, Business Manager Teresa Matthews, Communications and Marketing Manager Mary Clair Kelly, and Jill Dale, a Friends of Children's Hospital board member.
Ballet Mississippi dancer Jordan Ann Winborne performed as the Sugarplum Fairy during BankPlus Presents Light-A-Light.
Children's of Mississippi patient Hannah White of Carthage smiles for a photo with Santa during BankPlus Presents Light-A-Light.
Children's of Mississippi patient Branson Canley of Mount Olive smiles while choosing holiday treats from Friends of Children's Hospital for his Christmas stocking.
Children's of Mississippi patient David Thomas of Leland smiles during a visit with Santa at BankPlus Presents Light-A-Light.
Children's of Mississippi patient Eliza Rideout of Brandon leans in to pick a stocking stuffer with a little help from mom, Lindsey Rideout.
Ballet Mississippi dancer Caitlin Penson plays the role of a toy soldier in "The Nutcracker."
Santa smiles with his reindeer for a photo during BankPlus Presents Light-A-Light.