By: Christina Noordstar
The Tierra Verde Tree lighting is one of the island’s signature events held every December to inspire holiday traditions, community service and unity spirit of the neighbors. The event originally started in 2010, chaired by resident Gaye Wurzbacher, and it quickly transformed into a partnership with the Lealman Fire Rescue for their Christmas outreach program. In 2011, the second annual Tierra Verde Tree Lighting began to collect toys to donate to the program and the community service part of this event began.
The event’s local charity partner, the Lealman Fire Christmas program, provides toys for less fortunate children in the community every year along with family meals and gift cards to support their holiday needs. Last year Lealman was able to provide toys to children and family holiday meals to over 100 families and many more children! Lealman continues their support year-round 24/7 by providing family support to those less fortunate with cash, housing and clothing. Tierra Verde and Lealman Fire’s partnership has been successful in helping to support registered local children and families and this year they will continue the growing tradition again.
The raffle and local businesses
In 2013, the 3rd year of the Tierra Verde Tree Event, the event committee was able to add that every toy donor would get a free raffle ticket. If you have not seen the gift baskets that are available to win at the Tree Lighting event then you will be amazed when you see them at this year’s event. They are an exciting part of the event closing where every winner is called to the stage to get a basket if their ticket is pulled. These baskets are well worth the anticipation of winning including gift certificates and packages from Tierra Verde businesses and the surrounding area. Thank you to all the businesses that donate items to these baskets every year.
Volunteer and support
Come out to enjoy the island event this year on Saturday, December 2nd. There are many ways to help serve at the event this year! Below is a list of ways to show your support:
- Come to the event & bring a toy to donate
- Sign up to volunteer on their website (listed below)
- Donate a rafile prize for the baskets
- Make a cash donation purchase food and gifts
- Join the Lealman Adopt a Family program – They provide the wish list for a whole family
- Sponsor a toy box at your business for customers to bring a gift anytime
Don’t miss this years event on December2nd for holiday spirit, unity, community service and fun!
For more information on the event, to volunteer or become a sponsor, you can visit their site at: https://tierraverdeevents.
Event Schedule
December 2nd, 2023
4:00-8:00 p.m.
- 4:00 p.m. Event begins with musical entertainment
- 5:00 p.m. Santa arrives!
- 5:30 p.m. Holiday pet parade
- 6:00 p.m. Lighting of the Christmas tree
- 6:30 p.m. Raffle winners announced
- 7:00 p.m. Musical entertainment