There’s nothing quite like seeing the twinkling lights on the tree lined, snow-blanketed streets of Saline in winter, is there? They bring cheer to area visitors and keep Saline aglow with holiday spirit all season long.
This year, there’s a distinct possibility that not all of the trees lining Downtown Saline will be lit.
“More than 50 of our 78 lighted trees are now in urgent need of trimming. To make it happen, we must remove the lights from the trees and replace them in the fall. It’s a big task requiring us to hire professionals. The cost is estimated to total $55,000. Financial support — from people like you — will be needed.”
“Our goal is to light as many of the 87 trees as possible by November 1, when Saline’s holiday shopping season begins,” said Art Trapp, director, Saline Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Saline Area Chamber of Commerce has raised $17,000 toward the total cost of $55,000 to purchase and restring LED lights on 87 trees along Michigan Avenue, North & South Ann Arbor St.
There’s still a long way to go, and Jeff Dowling of LaFontaine Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and the Saline Citizen of the Year joined Jill Durnen, Art Trapp of the Saline Area Chamber and Bob Rosenberg of Saline Main Street to help get the word out about the funds needed to Keep Saline Aglow.
“A donation to the Keep Saline Aglow fund is a great way to remember or honor a loved one,” added Trapp. Donors can make a tax-deductible contribution directly to the Saline Chamber of Commerce and/or sponsor a tree for a year. A plaque on the tree will recognize their support and/or include the name of an honored or remembered loved one.
Jeff Dowling reminds us that, “in the surrounding Saline Area School District, there are approximately 30,000 residents. If we could just get everyone to commit to donating $1 we could hit our goal. So let’s go out there, find ten pop cans to return an make a donation. It’s that simple!”
Please help us spread the word, this holiday season just won’t be the same with out every single light on every single tree lighting up Downtown Saline.
If you’d like to sponsor a tree, download this brochure for a printable sponsorship form or contact Mary Alice Smith directly at (734) 429-4494
