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McCaffrey Homes' Christmas tree lighting raises more than $13,000 for local schools

12-10-2011

Hundreds of people turned out for this year's Christmas tree lighting ceremony at McCaffrey Homes’ corporate office. The event raised more than $13,000 for the Central and Clovis Unified School Districts, and it’s not too late to help out. For just $10, you can sponsor a light on McCaffrey’s 35-foot sparkling Christmas tree, and the money will go directly to the Foundations for Central and Clovis Schools to help fund programs within the districts.

This year’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony was filled with holiday cheer, thousands of sparkling lights, and excited children sitting on Santa’s lap. ABC 30’s Christine Park emceed the event as hundreds of people enjoyed hot chocolate, coffee, and cookies. Children’s choirs from Central Unified elementary schools and Clovis West High School sang beautiful holiday songs and Santa delighted kids with a special appearance.

The two winners of McCaffrey’s essay contest on "What Do the Holidays Mean to Me?" read their essays at the event and received a new iPad from McCaffrey as congratulations. Winner Jaden Cannon of Red Bank Elementary reminded people that the holidays are not always about the gifts, food, and the fancy decorations, but rather about surrounding yourself with the people you love. Winner Samantha D’Alessio of Polk Elementary School reflected on the importance of family togetherness and the joyful spirit of Christmas.

Jaden and Samantha then helped Santa flip the switch to illuminate thousands of colorful lights on the sparkling Christmas tree, which can be seen from miles around. Each light represents a $10 donation. 100 percent of all proceeds go to the schools, and much of the money will go toward programs which are literacy-based, such as summer library reading programs.

“We thank the community for their support. There’s such a need for this funding with today’s school budget cutbacks and we hope people will consider giving even a small amount which will really add up,” said Lauren McCaffrey Knowlton, vice president of marketing for McCaffrey Home. “At McCaffrey, we build homes, but what makes a house a home, is families. We’re proud to hold this event every year to celebrate family togetherness and community spirit as we do something to give back to our community, help our schools, and invest in our future.”

 


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