Tree Lighting, Thanksgiving & Black Friday

Here is the official Press Release:

The Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce says a BIG HEARTY THANK YOU to the community for two outstanding events this past week. First of all the 30th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner served over 100 guests and 40 volunteers at St. Anne’s church. A fun time was had by all and an attitude of gratitude abounds. Special thanks to Bryan Hardwick of Seacoast Grace Church who spent countless hours coordinating efforts. Donors for the dinner include Anytime Fitness, Ayres Hotel, Binney Chase, Bogart’s, California Seashells, Crema Café, Devyn’s Garden, Dr. Oaxaca, El Burrito Jr., Finbar’s, Hennessey’s, Kinda Lahaina, Mahe, McDonalds, Merle Norman, Miss Seal Beach Pageant, O’Malley’s, Ruby’s, ServPro, Sweet Jill’s, LOTE, Tru 11 Form, Pavilion’s, Seacoast Grace Church, and Walt’s Wharf. Special recognition goes to Father Bob Vidal of St. Anne’s Church, Shirley Broussard, SWARM Group, Barbara Wellington, Volunteer Coordinator. There are two women in particular, Virginia Fairman and Joan Wofelt, whom without their dedication over the last 30 years, we would not have this grand tradition.
Next day, the 2nd Annual Tree Lighting at the Pier was a resounding success with over 250 people in attendance. Children played in the winter wonderland with trees provided by Snowy Pines and a photo cut out created and donated by Hampton Inn and Suite. Hot chocolate, coffee and cookies donated by Crema Café, Bogart’s and Pavilions were enjoyed by all. The FireDept. Reserves provided the antique fire truck for kids to see and climb on. The modern fire engine delivered Santa to the scene much to the delight of everyone there. Harbour Surfboard provided a surfboard for the Santa photos background. Seal Beach Animal Care Center and Surfrider foundation were on hand to educate and solicit volunteers and donations for their organizations. Coast party Rentals provided the popcorn machine. As the sky grew dark enough, Seth Eaker, President of the Chamber of Commerce, led the crowd in a countdown that culminated in the lighting of the tree covered in colorful LED, environmentally friendly bulbs! You can view the tree all month long in Eisenhower Park at the foot of Seal Beach Pier. This new tradition has taken hold and remember to SHOP LOCAL this holiday season!

Personally, you can see I had fun with the key volunteers and Santa! Boy was I tired! I love what I do in the community, and it is wonderfully draining. If you wonder how to increase visibility for your business - go be a leader. Trust me, I know. Also, it helps drive sales on days like Black Friday. People seek you out not because of a sale, but because they know you make a difference!