Watertown Community Rallies Behind Christmas Tree Fundraiser, Exceeding $1,600 in Week Two

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The annual Christmas Tree Fundraiser, hosted by the Watertown Area Community Foundation and displayed at the Watertown Regional Library, has generated holiday enthusiasm and community support, accumulating a total of $1,678 in donations as of the second weekly update on December 9.

The fundraiser features 15 local nonprofit organizations, each of which has decorated a Christmas tree reflecting its mission. Community members are invited to visit the Watertown Regional Library to view the display and vote for their favorite trees. Each $1 donation counts as one vote, and every dollar goes directly to the nonprofit organization it supports.

The second week’s results demonstrate a strong start to the campaign. According to the bar chart data released on social media by the Foundation on December 9, multiple organizations have already seen considerable support:

• Rachel’s Hope, Watertown Cares, and the Watertown Regional Library have garnered strong community support. Additionally, East-Central CASA has received significant backing from voters.

The Foundation has emphasized that the momentum is key, as the fundraiser runs until December 31. The Foundation is committed to enhancing the community’s generosity by matching donations up to $300 for each participating nonprofit. Furthermore, the organization that receives the most votes by the end of the month will be awarded an additional $500 unrestricted grant, providing a substantial boost to its mission.

The 15 participating organizations represent a diverse range of critical services within the Watertown community:

• Beacon Center

• Boy Scout Troop 209

• Codington County 4-H

• Community Transit of Watertown/Sisseton

• East-Central CASA

• Human Service Agency C.A.R.E.

• Joy Ranch of South Dakota

• Lake Area Zoological Society

• Northern Prairie Arts

• Rachel’s Hope

• Special Olympics Watertown Area

• Town Players Community Theater

• Watertown Area Snow Queen

• Watertown Cares

• Watertown Regional Library

In addition to voting, the community can engage with the displays through the new Christmas Tree Bingo, which allows adults and children to learn more about each nonprofit for a chance to win free movie passes. The Library also hosts “Lights Out” every Tuesday from 6:00–6:30 p.m. throughout December, dimming the main lights to allow the decorated trees to shine.

The Watertown Area Community Foundation encourages residents to keep the momentum going by visiting the display during regular Library hours and casting their votes to support these vital local organizations.