Media Advisory:

Lights of Kindness Event

Rotary Club of South Anne Arundel County Welcomes Community to 12^th Annual Holiday Celebration

Contact: Tom Phillips

Email: thomasebphillips@gmail.com

Phone: 202.468.1956

Lights of Kindness: Illuminating the Spirit of the Season

Who: The Rotary Club of South Anne Arundel County

What: Lights of Kindness Community Holiday Event/Tree Decorating Contest

When: December 5-8

Where: Homestead Gardens, 743 West Central Avenue, Davidsonville, Md.

Why: To celebrate kindness, support local charities, and foster community spirit through a festive holiday gathering

Event Overview

The Rotary Club of South Anne Arundel County is delighted to invite members of the media and the greater community to its annual Lights of Kindness celebration. The Holiday Tree decorating contest, now in its 12^th year, is a much-anticipated event that will transform an ordinary tent into a twinkling wonderland of light and goodwill, offering attendees a chance to embrace the holiday spirit while supporting important local organizations.

Lights of Kindness is more than a seasonal festival—it is a beacon of hope, unity, and generosity for South Anne Arundel County. Each year, neighbors, families, businesses, and visitors help celebrate the power of kindness and to give back to those in need.

Why Attend?

• Experience the Magic: Stroll through displays of holiday lights on trees decorated by community groups, businesses, and organizations—all competing to get the most votes for favorite tree.
• Support Local Charities: Each tree is dedicated to a local nonprofit or charity. Attendees vote for their favorite displays, with donations and proceeds directly benefiting these organizations.
• When you visit Lights of Kindness you can also take in all that Homestead Gardens has to offer for the Holiday Season.

Photo & Interview Opportunities

Members of the media are invited to attend the Opening Reception for Lights of Kindness on Thursday, December 4^th at Homestead Gardens from 5-7 p.m. Media representatives are encouraged to capture the vibrant sights and warm smiles throughout the three-day event. Interview opportunities with Rotary Club leaders, participating nonprofits, and community volunteers will be available. Photos and video footage are welcomed and appreciated.

Community Impact

Proceeds from Lights of Kindness directly benefit local nonprofits addressing areas such as food security, youth development, health, and emergency assistance. Contributions (i.e., votes) are split between the designated charity and the South Anne Arundel County Rotary Foundation. A cash donation prize will be split among the charities' top three decorated trees that receive the most votes.

Proceeds will benefit the programs supported by the foundation, including grants to local non-profit organizations, the Rotary Club’s Bountiful Backpacks Program that provides food for needy elementary school children, and the annual Rotary Youth Leadership Assembly. In 2024, the event raised more than $40,000, providing critical funding and resources for worthy organizations in South Anne Arundel County.

How to Participate

• Attend: The event is open to all ages and admission is free, though donations are encouraged to support the participating charities.
• Vote: Cast your vote ($1 each) for your favorite light display and help direct funds to the organizations making the most impact in our community.
• Sponsor: Businesses and individuals can sponsor displays, activities, or refreshments by contacting Rotary Club Lights of Kindness Chair Mark Bowser at either LOKRotarySC.com or 540.435.9362.
• Volunteer: Community members are welcome to sign up as volunteers to help make the event a success.

Parking & Accessibility

Complimentary parking is available at Homestead Gardens. The venue is accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Event Sponsors

We extend heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors and partners whose support helps make Lights of Kindness possible.

About the Rotary Club of South Anne Arundel County

The Rotary Club of South Anne Arundel County, celebrating the 20^th anniversary of its founding in 2005, is dedicated to serving the local community through projects that promote health, education, and the spirit of service above self. Members work year-round to support charitable organizations, address community needs, and build bridges of friendship and understanding.

Join Us in Lighting Up Kindness!

The Rotary Club of South Anne Arundel County invites all residents, families, and friends to join us at this event. Be a part of a cherished holiday tradition and help illuminate our community with compassion.

For more information about Lights of Kindness or the Rotary Club of South Anne Arundel County, please visit https://www.southcountyrotary.org/lights-of-kindness.php

We look forward to celebrating kindness and community with you!

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