Colonial Lake is shining bright this holiday season thanks to the Charleston Parks Conservancy and the generosity of the Charleston community. When the city of Charleston asked the Conservancy to take on the task of raising funds for a new Colonial Lake Christmas tree, the staff got to work spreading the word and setting up ways the community could participate.
Dozens of individuals and organizations demonstrated the spirit of Christmas by donating to the Charleston Parks Conservancy to cover the cost of the tree. The city's Department of Parks built the new structure with floating platform and steel pole along with new energy-efficient color LED lights. The tree also is outfitted with garland to make the tree more visible during the day.
"We are so grateful for the community’s support," says Amy Jenkins, development director for the Conservancy. "People gave everything from a few dollars to a thousand dollars because they wanted to keep this tradition going. To us, this just reinforced our belief that people really do feel a connection to their local parks."
The Colonial Lake Christmas tree is a long-standing tradition on peninsular Charleston, dating back to the 1940s. For many who live and work in the area, it’s a signal that the holiday season has begun and a tradition they just couldn’t let disappear.
The following donors contributed $100 or more to the Colonial Lake Christmas tree:
- Star Sponsors: The Rotary Club of Charleston – Breakfast and Johnnie Reed
- Garland Sponsors: In memory of Kenneth B. Ducker and Sergeant Jasper
- Friends of the Tree: Charleston Day School; Sandra Deering; James Martin; Mary Beth Richardson; Christine Reed; Rudy Thomas; John Warren III; Roger White; Mary Williams; Tarrant Properties; and a donation in honor of the Ramsey children.
Even the tree’s littlest fans got into the giving spirit. The children at the nearby Charleston Day School hosted a "dress down day" fundraiser and gave $250 to the cause.
"Having the children involved was so special," Jenkins says. "For many years to come those students will know they were a part of lighting the Colonial Lake Christmas tree."
Pictured are Amy Jenkins, Jim Martin, Matt Compton (city of Charleston) and Neves Richards.
