Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Walk through Gift of Lights raises money for charity

Gift of Lights

Richard Brian

Volunteer Sean Daniel wraps a van in Christmas lights Nov. 11, 2008, during the eighth annual Gift of Lights holiday festival at Sunset Park.

Gift of Lights

The 2008 Gift of Lights holiday festival at Sunset Park. Launch slideshow »

Gift of Lights

WHAT: Gift of Lights holiday light festival

WHERE: Sunset Park, 2601 E. Sunset Road, is open through Jan. 4.

WHEN: Through Jan. 4, 5-10 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and holidays; and 5-9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays.

COST: $13 per vehicle. $2 discount with donations to Goodwill of Southern Nevada

INFO: www.GiftOfLights.com or 451-1641.

While carolers sang in the background and Santa-hat-clad residents mingled around every corner, 5-year-old Carly King marveled at the displays twinkling overhead and on the ground.

"I love the lights," she said with a smile.

Carly and her family were among the numerous participants and volunteers who may have helped establish a new holiday tradition at Sunset Park the night of Nov. 12.

As a fundraiser for the Children's Heart Foundation, the Gift of Lights was opened for the first time in its eight-year history to holiday revelers on foot.

Between foundation volunteers and registered walkers, an estimated 450 people came out to support the local charity and take about a 2-mile stroll through the more than 400 light displays that are normally only viewable from a vehicle.

Many residents enjoyed the change of pace.

"It's physical fitness, fresh air and a happy intro to the holidays," said walker and event volunteer Kristy Brunnmeier.

Fellow walker and Silverado resident Karen Abrams said that while she loves the drive she also enjoyed the laid back atmosphere of this event.

"When you're in a vehicle there's always cars coming up behind you and you feel like you have to hurry," she said.

Her son James Abrams agreed.

"I think it's better than the drive through," he said. "You feel more of a connection than you do in a vehicle."

After an impromptu recollection of all the words to "The 12 Days of Christmas" — inspired by lit up scenes of a pear tree, swans a swimming and drummers drumming — Karen Abrams said she would like to see the walk become a yearly tradition.

Children's Heart Foundation Manager Shannon Bentham said organizers would also like to see the event become an annual staple.

Foundation development manager Renee Rietgraf said the group raised more than $6,000 at the event this year.

The money raised at the foundation's fundraisers goes to fund the group's Camp Mend-A-Heart program, scholarships and its family outreach programs.

The foundation provides these services free to local families who have been affected by children's heart problems.

Bentham said organizers were a little bit nervous introducing the event this year because of the economy.

But as she surveyed the large crowd, she said she thought everything had turned out OK after all.

"We think it's just wonderful," she said. "People have wanted to do this for a long time. We're honored to be a part of it."

Ashley Livingston can be reached at 990-8925 or [email protected].

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