According to organizers, Saint Francis Medical Center Foundation's "Night of Remembrance" held recently in the Saint Francis Healing Arts Garden was a complete success with more than 75 community members in attendance, and more than $31,000 raised.

The "Night of Remembrance" was the result of the fifth annual Luminaries for Life campaign in which donations for lighting up the Healing Arts Garden were accepted from the community.

Since the inception of Luminaries For Life five years ago, the medical center has raised more than $75,000 to support specialty and charitable services.

The Foundation secures financial support for new medical technology, special projects, capital expansion, long-term financial stability and other needs as identified by the medical center. The majority of the money will be used to fund community education projects and advanced diagnostic equipment for the region's only stroke center certified by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).

Gifts to the Luminaries for Life campaign help bring local access to state-of-the-art procedures and the latest technologies for stroke victims.

J. Friedel, Catholic Campus minister for Southeast Missouri State University, presided over the "Night of Remembrance" and led the attendees in prayer, scripture reading and song. In addition, Ruth Masterson, Dan Fierser and Abby Fieser performed with hymnal singing.