New Holiday Event - Big Bonus For Non-Profits - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

DELMAR, Md. - It may be in the middle of the summer, but some schools and non-profit businesses across Delmarva are already looking forward to the winter holidays! And it's all because of a new attraction coming to Delmar, which can help community organizations raise money.

In just about 5 months, the Delaware International Speedway in Delmar, Maryland will transform into a winter wonderland. They're calling the event "Decorating Delmarva".

For 36 nights, in November, December, and January, families will be able to take a 2-mile tour, filled with light displays, food, and vendors. "Create 1 Dream Foundation" is heading up this effort. Spokesman, Mark Cathell, tells WMDT, "We also we have a community area where these local groups will build outdoor displays. And we have 5 different categories, one for high schools, charities, 2 groups of non-profits and volunteer fire companies, with 5 thousand dollars going to each category for the one that collects the most votes. What I wanted to do was not put on a store built kind of show, I wanted a community event."

Aside from prize money, the big draw for local non-profits, schools, and churches, Cathell says, is the opportunity for valuable fundraising. Tickets for admission to the event cost about 15 dollars. But that is per car, not per person. And students and charities get to keep 5 dollars of every ticket sold - 33 percent of profits.

Organizers say non-profits have the potential to raise upwards of 10 thousand dollars with this event. For groups interested in cashing in on this fundraising opportunity there will be an information session tomorrow from 7 to 9pm at Salisbury University. It takes place in room 153 at Perdue Hall. Organizers say already 20 groups have signed on to participate.

"Decorating Delmarva" runs from November 15th through December 23rd, six days a week, Thursdays-Sundays. It's closed Christmas Eve, but will reopen Christmas night, running everyday through January 5th. And there is a special party planned for New Year's Eve.

WMDT is proud to be the official TV station of the event.

CLICK HERE for the Decorating Delmarva Webpage.

CLICK HERE for the Decorating Delmarva Facebook Page.