Contributors donated angels in memory of loved ones as well as memorializing broader groups such as fallen soldiers and hurricane victims. Many recognized family members, coworkers, friends, and community workers with honorarium angels. Some noteworthy individuals to have their names placed on the tree were young Madison Fedak, whose battle with cancer was followed throughout the year by thousands in the community; Richard Bailey, who coached the Fighting Scots football team to their second straight state title game; and Samantha Davis, the Union Pines High School cross country runner who tragically passed away during a meet earlier this year.

Carlie C's is the fourth Scotland County business to host the Tree of Remembrance since its inauguration 1987. For the entire 32-year existence of the annual fundraiser, hospice supporters Beacham and Lynn McDougald have purchased and delivered the actual tree used for the event. The McDougalds along with members of the Scotland Memorial Hospice engineering team managed to get the large tree safely into the store and upright.  

Dozens of hospice volunteers signed up for 2-hour shifts throughout the month of December to sit at the tree and sell the ornaments to shoppers. In the weeks leading up the to the opening day, hospice volunteer Catherine McLaurin worked tirelessly to make sure that each shift had been filled and signed up for a few shifts herself. Scotland Regional Hospice volunteer coordinator Bunny Hasty made sure that each of the volunteers had everything they needed and provided regular tree maintenance (ie. watering, sweeping up needles).

When the fundraiser closed on December 20th, over 600 angels filled the tree's branches resulting in just over $3,000 collected for end-of-life care. There were also several monetary donations delivered to the Tree of Remembrance volunteers including a $5,000 contribution from the CW and Dorothy G Love Foundation.

The staff at Scotland Regional Hospice would like to thank our volunteers, Carlie C's, Catherine McLaurin, Beacham and Lynn McDougald, the SMH engineering staff, and everyone who stopped by to support our annual Christmas fundraiser. Thank you for another successful event and we look forward to continuing our annual holiday tradition next December!