‘Tis the Season! Monumental Christmas Wish Fundraiser Happens on Saturday
At the annual Christmas Wish fundraiser, the goal is simple. To make sure children have the best Christmas ever. Tomorrow is the BIG day and we're so excited. Annabel Whitledge, Steve Bridgmon, Joshua Orion, and Santa are the headliners for the Christmas Wish Cruise-In and Toy Drive happening Saturday at Applebee's in Owensboro. Meet the performers and browse some amazing auction items.
One of the most popular Christmas fundraisers is back and bigger than ever. You'll have fun and help ensure every family has a very special Christmas this holiday season at the Christmas Wish Cruise-In and Toy Drive! There are BIG things planned.
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS WISH FUNDRAISER
Grab your family and friends for a day of fun! The 2022 Annual Christmas Wish Fundraiser will happen on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022. Come out to Applebee's in Owensboro from 11 AM until 4 PM. Plan on live music, great food, amazing auction items, a bake sale, a kids' zone, and more! Santa will be arriving from the North Pole at noon for photos and to talk to the kiddos. We sure hope that you can make it. 100% of proceeds go directly to families in need this holiday season.
We couldn't do it without our amazing sponsors. We appreciate the support from our sponsors Clark Distributing, Swank Style and Boutique Hair Salon, Home Depot, Riverpark Center, ProTech Tire and Auto Center, Owensboro Athletic Club, Glenmore, Yougotitdreamhomes.com, Fastway (Silver Beach Convenient Store), Fulton Manufactured Home Products, Bluegrass Biker News, Kentucky Hawg Mafia, and the endless others that have stepped up to volunteer, or donated to the fundraiser.
As Christmas Wish gets set to celebrate its 46th Anniversary season, the event will help so many families that need a hand up this year.
CAR & BIKE CRUISE-IN
It's going to be a great day when classic cars, bikes, jeeps, and trucks pull into Applebee's in Owensboro. I just love the roar of the engines and hanging out with fellow classic car enthusiasts. All years makes, and models of the hottest classic cars, trucks, and bikes in town will be all around. Whether you want to show off your classic car, or you just want to check out the best vintage vehicles in town, there will be something for everyone to enjoy at the fundraiser.
HOLLY JOLLY KIDS ZONE!
Bundle up and head to the 20’x30’ Tent in the Applebee's parking lot. It will be heated and loaded with fun and prizes. The Holly Jolly Kids Fun Zone will be FREE of charge. There will be many games and fun activities planned. With a $5 donation to Christmas Wish you could win some big prizes. It's a chance to WIN a Boys Bike or Huge Stocking & Girls Bike or Huge Stocking.
LIVE MUSIC - MEET THE PERFORMERS
ANNABEL WHITLEDGE
Starting at noon, Annabel Whitledge will perform, and you're in for a treat. I've followed Annabel for years and she's one heck of a songwriter, singer, and performer. After the success of her debut album, she's in the studio recording new music. She's won the Hollywood Music in Media Awards for songwriting with her single 'No Strings', which is also the title of her debut album. Annabel has performed on some of the biggest stages around the tri-state, Nashville, and beyond. Over the summer she played at the Tennesee State Fair. She's opened for some major country artists as well. Her star is on the rise and we're fortunate that she'll be at the event on Saturday.
STEVE BRIDGMON
Steve Bridgmon will blow the roof off of Applebee's beginning at 1:00. He will be kicking off his 2022 Christmas Tour at the Christmas Wish Fundraiser, and we're beyond excited. His tour has stops in Michigan to Nashville, and everywhere in between this holiday season. His latest single, God Must Be Laughing recently rose to #2 on Contemporary Christian Radio, and it's just one of his many big hits. Steve recently released an inspirational autobiography ("THREE THINGS I NEED FROM YOU"), won a Josie Music Award, and is producing new music. His inspiring life, deep-rooted faith, and amazing voice are something that you won't want to miss!
JOSHUA ORION
Are you ready to rock? Joshua Orion is a brilliant musician and singer. He sings and plays at restaurants all over the area and with his band, Galactic Foghorn at nighttime venues. If you like Led Zepplin, Bob Seger, the Stones, and every artist in between, you'll want to sing along. Oh, and Josh is also my Stepson! Josh will start his set at 2 PM.
SANTA IS COMING TO APPLEBEE'S
How about a FREE photo with Santa? Yep. Santa is taking a break from the North Pole to visit with the kiddos. He'll find out what they want most for Christmas and if they've been naughty or nice this year! Meet Santa from 12P-2P. Have you been naughty or nice this year?
HUGE SILENT AND LIVE AUCTION
If you want to do some early Christmas shopping, there will be some amazing silent auction items up for grabs. We're loaded up with the good stuff, from gift cards, to gift baskets, home decor, name-brand items, and more! And, how does a Nintendo Switch sound? Yep! That will be up for grabs as well.
OVER 1,500 CHRISTMAS WISH LETTERS RECEIVED TO DATE
Before we get to the hottest toys, the trend with this year's letters is alarming. 70% of the letter submissions are asking for clothes. 25% are asking for simple things like socks and underwear. Many are just asking for personal hygiene products. In my seven years as the director of Christmas Wish, this is the most requests I've seen. We offer new winter coats to any child that needs one but only supply clothing if we have some on hand. We focus more on toys for children and a Christmas meal for the family. If you can donate socks, underwear, or pajamas it would be greatly appreciated.
CHRISTMAS WISH MISSION
Since 1976 Christmas Wish has been “MAKING SURE EVERY CHILD IN THE TRI-STATE GETS A VISIT FROM SANTA”. You can make a huge difference in the lives of others and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas by giving back to those in need this holiday season.
If you're in need or know somebody that is, fill out your Christmas Wish Letter today. We'll be here to help.
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