The Lincoln Woodstock Interact had its second annual Festival of Lights Fundraiser this past year. Despite the pandemic the club was able to hold the event safely with special attention paid to physical distancing and mask wearing.
This community event was started in 2019 by the club and was the creation of the club president Kai Goode. One of our advisors arranged for the donation of 20 natural Christmas trees and the event was created. Local Businesses purchase a tree, decorate the tree and they are displayed with advertising at a local mall. The club has an evening of events and judging of the trees that has become a wonderful community program.
This years event was changed to keep participants safe but still provided free refreshments and treat for those in attendance, free arts and crafts, a silent auction and letters to Santa. The first year children had their picture with Santa and the club sponsored live music. This event is a wonderful example of how an Interact club can hold an event that serves multiple purposes. The Festival of Lights event accomplishes the following:
- Fundraiser for the Interact Club.
- Provides decorations and increases foot traffic for a local mall.
- Allows local businesses to engage in promotion and provides a team building event for their staff.
- Provides a family friendly event for the local community and visitors.
The club works very hard for the event, cutting all the trees and watering them every other day for over a month. The club members organize the silent auction and all other events and have been very diligent about take down and cleaning up after the event.
