Mary Free Bed Hosts 4th Annual Mary & Brite Celebration

This week, the team at Mary Free Bed brought the joy of the holiday season to patients in rehabilitation. The fourth annual Mary & Brite holiday event returned to the Main Campus in Grand Rapids for patients and their families.

Inspired by the Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ballpark, patients were invited to walk or wheel through an elaborate display of holiday lights and decorations in the hospital’s outdoor therapy garden.

As visitors entered through the outside holiday lights, they were greeted by caroling from the East Grand Rapids Madrigals high school choir. Inside the hospital patients were able to warm up at a hot chocolate bar.

The fun continued for the young and the young at heart with activities led by a Mary Free Bed music therapist. There were also holiday crafts facilitated by Care on Canvas, and the therapy dogs from West Michigan Therapy Dogs brought smiles to everyone. Santa also stopped by for a visit!

“It really takes a village to help put on an event like this,” said Deb Brewer, Mary Free Bed recreational therapist. “From plant services to nursing to the Mary Free Bed Guild – we all work together to make the experience magical for our patients.”

Thanks to the support of staff and community partners, the event continues to grow every year. This year’s event was sponsored by Eastbrook Homes and John R. Bertsch & Georgia Scott.

“Just bringing the joy of the season to our patients is the best part of it,” said Alicia Haas, Mary Free Bed recreational therapist. “Being in the hospital during the holiday season is difficult, and we’re so happy for the opportunity to create unexpected surprises and see the wonder in their eyes.”

See photos from the event in the gallery below or watch a Facebook Live from the event.