The Tree of Love is a tradition carried on by the Women’s Hospital Association at Central Maine Medical Center.

According to WHA past president, Tonie Ramsey, the tradition began 27 years ago.

“Back then, we would have meetings with other area WHA board members to swap fund-raising ideas,” Ramsey explained. “Mary Goss and I went to Norway for one of the meetings and someone mentioned this Tree of Love.”

“We both looked at each other and lit up,” smiled Goss. “It was a perfect way to raise money.”

When the meeting was over they approached the woman who had spoken of the tree.

“We practically cornered her to get as much information as we could,” said Ramsey. “And then came back here to start planning our own Tree of Love.”

Goss was appointed chair of the newest WHA fundraiser and got the word out that they were in need of a tree. Her neighbor, Joe Bugel, came to the rescue.

“I heard Mary was looking for a tree and I happened to have a blue spruce that was growing too tall on my front lawn,” he said. “It was a sapling I had bought from the Extension Service and we planted it at my wife’s ancestral home in Leeds where we spent our summers. That was in the early 1960s and when the tree was about five years old we moved it to our home in Auburn.”

Bugel added, “The Tree of Love really started out as a little guy. It was maybe 6 inches tall when I bought it, five feet tall when I transplanted it, and 20 feet tall when I donated it to the WHA.”

Goss’ husband was in construction at the time and had connections with Cote Crane, Helms Brothers, and DeBlois Electric.

“It was dug up, moved to the main entrance of the hospital… all for free,” Goss smiled. “We only had one glitch.”

“Oh gosh yes,” added Ramsey. “It was September and we had a hurricane and it blew the tree over, but it was quickly reset.”

The WHA sold ornaments in memory of, or in honor of, loved ones and the first lighting ceremony was held in early December 1973. Proceeds from the Tree of Love fundraiser went to the special needs fund at the cancer unit.

“It was a beautiful ceremony,” said Ramsey. “Well, maybe it was cold and the lights went on… and then off… and then on, but it was still moving.”

According to Nancy Wilkins, current WHA president, the tradition has been passed down through several WHA members to help those with special needs in the cancer unit.

“The tree has since been moved next to the Cynthia Rydholm Cancer Center,” explained Wilkins. “And due to the cold, the ceremony begins inside at the mezzanine. The lights on the tree remain there year-round and they are controlled by a remote.”

And it is still a beautiful and emotional ceremony.

“There are not many traditions left,” said Ramsey. “And this one is still going strong. There are many of us who have bought ornaments for loved ones for 27 years. It has had such meaning to so many of us and can be quite emotional when the tree begins to glow in the dark.”

According to Wilkins, this year’s ceremony will begin in the mezzanine at 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 4.

“We gather there and hear from the chaplain; oncologist, Dr. Erickson; and myself,” she said. “A Christmas story is read and we sing carols as we gather around the tree. Once we get to the tree we holler: ‘Light that tree.’ We then quietly sing carols on the cancer floor.”

And the tradition continues, last year raising over $3,000 for the Cancer Care Immediate Needs fund.

“It’s great to see that little sapling help this wonderful cause,” said Bugel. “I love trees; they are living things and this one stands tall in remembrance of others.”

Paper ornaments can be purchased with donations of $5 and $10. Glass star ornaments (inscribed) can be purchased with a donation of $25. The paper ornaments will be on display at the WHA Gift Shop and can be picked up anytime. The glass ornaments are boxed and are available inside the gift shop. Donors and those honored will be listed in the Sun Journal on December 19.

Donation forms are available at the WHA gift shop; to have one mailed or for more information, please contact Wilkins at 783-6865.

I’m very happy to see the tree still standing,” said Bugel. “I love trees; they are living things like we are and it’s nice to see that tree that started so small is still standing.”