Holiday Winter Wonderfest set to raise funding and awareness for local needs

Sparking holiday lights illuminate the park. Sounds of giggling children on the giant ferris wheel fill the air outside at the carnival. Santa's "ho-ho-ho" echos through the Christmas Village. When the new Winter Wonderfest comes to town, it's bringing all the joys of the holidays, along with one more important mission: the spirit of charitable giving.

"We're working to give visitors the opportunity to make their own unique holiday memories at the Delaware beaches," says John Snow, vice president of Festival of Cheer Inc., the new nonprofit organization responsible for bringing Winter Wonderfest to life. "Our goal is to build upon our community's rich tradition of holiday giving," he says.

Festival of Cheer is committed to raising awareness and contributions for organizations who support four areas of need throughout Sussex County: health, education, culture and the environment. Through the generosity of its community-minded sponsors, Festival of Cheer is making significant progress with its fundraising efforts, now with over half of its sponsorship goal for its first year committed. Presenting sponsors for the inauguration of Winter Wonderfest are Schell Brothers and La Vida Hospitality with brands in Lewes and Rehoboth. "We are grateful for the support we've already received, but we still have a way to go to meet our goal. I encourage businesses and organizations throughout our area to get involved and help make this a great event," says Chris Schell, CEO.

"It's important to know that the money we raise here in Sussex County stays in Sussex County," says Dee Dee Montgomery, president of Festival of Cheer Inc. In addition to sponsorship support, funding will also be generated by ticket sales to Winter Wonderfest's various attractions and events. Local marketing professionals who have donated their time and resources are credited with a comprehensive marketing campaign, including robust social media, print and electronic and digital media targeting visitors along the East Coast from Washington to New York. Festival of Cheer notes that in kind service donations are as valuable to the organization as cash contributions. "Obviously we need both," says Montgomery.

"We already have 3,000 likes from our initial Facebook launch," says Social Media Coordinator Stefanie Roselle, owner of Social Butterfly based in Middletown. "The engagement has been phenomenal. People are so excited about Winter Wonderfest coming to Lewes."

"We are making sure there's something for everyone," says Peter Briccotto, producer for Winter Wonderfest. "Our Light Spectacular provides car loads of fun during the two-mile drive through Cape Henlopen State Park. It's a great family experience featuring over 60 larger than life displays."

In addition, the Christmas Village at the nearby Cape May Lewes Ferry Terminal offers an outdoor carnival complete with a giant ferris wheel, live musical performances, a skating rink, fire pit and more. "Inside at the Christmas Village, visitors can get hands-on with a variety of crafts at Santa's Workshop, snapping a photo with Santa himself, and enjoying some food and drinks," says Briccotto. He says one of the Winter Wonderfest goals is to give residents and visitors an opportunity to create lasting holiday memories at the Delaware beaches.

The Christmas Village will feature an important outdoor attraction, the Giving Tree. Several community charities have been invited to take advantage of the Giving Tree to help support their own organization. Visitors are encouraged to purchase special Winter Wonderfest tree ornaments as a tribute to a loved one whose name will be written on each one and displayed on the Giving Tree at the Christmas Village.

"What makes Giving Tree so special is that the money we raise will be split between the participating nonprofit guest charity and our own Festival of Cheer organization," says Josh Grapski, vice-president and spokesperson for the event. “Our portion of Giving Tree funds will be used entirely for grant funding to benefit other charitable groups in our community. The money stays right here in Sussex County," he says.

For others, the Giving Tree represents something far more personal. It's an opportunity to honor the memory of a loved one by including their name on a symbol of true community holiday spirit.

"It's also a way to pay tribute to someone who is present in your life every day. Your spouse. Your kids. To someone you want to acknowledge with a unique way of saying thanks," says Briccotto. "The tree ornaments are only $5 so everyone can participate in Giving Tree. But we certainly want people to contribute as much as they can," he says, noting that every dollar earned by Winter Wonderfest through the Giving Tree attraction goes directly into the grant funding program to support Sussex County.

Winter Wonderfest begins Friday, Nov. 18, with a 5K fun run and walk in Cape Henlopen State Park. A bonus for participants is that it's the only opportunity to pose for pictures next to the lighting displays. "It's a unique way to create a holiday family photo album to enjoy for years to come," says Briccotto.

The Light Spectacular two-mile car tour through the park begins Saturday, Nov. 19. On Black Friday weekend, both the Christmas Village and Light Spectacular begins Thursday, Nov. 24 and runs through New Year’s Day.

For complete schedules and event listings, as well as more information about participating in the Giving Tree, go to www.Wonderfestde.org or call 302-727-0221.