The Community House of Moorestown welcomes the community to celebrate the holidays on Main Street with a calendar full of activities.
The season begins with the fifth annual Cash for the Community 50/50 Raffle, a fundraising tradition that directly supports the mission of the house. Tickets are available until Wednesday, Dec. 10, when the drawing will take place.
Only 300 tickets will be sold at $100 each, offering participants three chances to win while giving back locally. Prizes are as follows:
- 1st prize: 50% of the winning share, up to $7,500
- 2nd prize: 30% of the winning share, up to $4,500
- 3rd prize: 20% of the winning share, up to $3,000
Winners do not need to be present to win, making the raffle an easy way to contribute to a beloved community landmark.
The Community House will glow with the warmth of tradition for the annual tree and menorah lighting on its front lawn from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 1. The festive evening brings together all faiths and neighbors for music, lights and holiday cheer – officially marking the start of the season on Main Street.
“Seeing the community gather annually for the tree lighting is a perfect testament to why Moorestown is so special,” said Haynes Hendrickson, vice president of the Community House’s board of trustees. “We started a tradition where we can serve as an occasion for friends, families and neighbors to kick off their holiday season.”
“When I moved back into town 10 years ago, I was delighted to see the new (to me) tradition of the annual tree lighting ceremony,” recalled board member Stu Allen. “It’s a great idea, and I love how it brings the community together.
“Whether it’s seeing Santa, participating in the dance performance, getting a chance to be on the local news or just taking it all in, the tree lighting at the Community House is something my family looks forward to each year and a great way to kick off the holiday season.”
The doors of the Community House will open on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5 and 6, for the annual children’s pop-up holiday shop, where kids have the experiece of independently choosing gifts for the special people – and pets – in their lives.
Prices will range from $25 cents to $15, with most gifts between $3 and $8. Volunteer elves will be on hand to help with selections and wrapping.
Shopping times are Friday from 4 to 5 p.m. for special-needs shoppers who are sensory sensitive, with a student and families open house from 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday will feature a general public open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Festivities will conclude with a new Miracle on Main Street holiday market on Sunday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Community House will be transformed into a festive indoor marketplace filled with local crafters, artisans and food vendors.
“The Community House is home to so many special traditions throughout the year, but it really shines at the holidays,” noted board member Kathryn Distler.
For questions, contact Community House Executive Director Pamela Henshall at pam@thecommunityhouse.com or (856) 235-0326, ext. 1.
