Beacon of Hope’s 14th annual Holiday House — another great success
Beacon of Hope board member Elsie Stearns said this year’s Holiday House Event at the Tarpon Lodge was as amazing as it was well attended. In all, she said there were over 800 people, spanning the three day event.
Stearns said many islanders told her that this has become a beloved island tradition.
“I’d like to especially thank our Fire District for providing Santa and Mrs. Clause a ride by fire boat. I always get excited when I see Santa coming and, of course, we had so many different organizations –the elementary school, Bobby Holloway, the Matlacha Hookers, the American Legion, Amanda Jones did the face painting, the Fire Department cooked hot dogs for the kids, DJ Frankie did an amazing job with the line-dancing. I think it was really a good time had by all,” Stearns said.
The Tree Auction, she said, brought in just under $10,000 this year, with Four Winds Marina topping the bids, with its tree, once again. All vendors donated baskets, with items ranging from artwork to jewelry, with 100% of proceeds going to the Beacon.
“The funds that we raise at the Holiday House — which is the largest fundraising event for the Beacon every year — go directly to the operations of the Beacon. All donations made to the organization mean a lot. We’ve been fortunate to have raised a lot of money for hurricane relief efforts and then, of course, received a grant from Volunteer Florida, but those funds are not allowed to be spent operationally, so the fact that the island came out in full force and supported our efforts to help us keep our doors open really means a lot,” Stearns said.
After the hurricane last year, she said, it was amazing to see everyone come out again, emphasizing that the Holiday House brings the community together in a very special way.
“I hope that the island enjoys it as much as I enjoy putting it on for the community. I’m very proud of the event, the Beacon is very proud of the event. It feels good to make people feel good. It’s very humbling to have an event like that come together so wonderfully,” Stearns said.
The Beacon of Hope was able to count on the community, as there were businesses acting as tent sponsors, who covered the costs of all tents, tables and chairs for the event. Tarpon Lodge owner Rob Wells was more than happy to provide the venue, which the Wells Family has done each year to help the Beacon raise money.
“I just wanted to thank Elsie Stearns and all of the volunteers who work so hard to set the event up every year. I know it is a lot of work and with their effort, unique vendors and our fantastic staff members, the event was a huge success again this year. Our recovering island needs a strong organization like the Beacon more now than ever and we appreciate being able to be a part of it,” Wells said.