GREENVILLE, OH — The Light Foundation is excited to kick off the holiday season with its 5th annual Winter Wonderland at Chenoweth Trails! This festive event will take place from December 6-8, 2024, at the beautiful Chenoweth Trails in Greenville, Ohio. Prepare for a weekend full of dazzling lights, festive fun, and holiday cheer, all in support of the Foundation’s mission to inspire and empower local young people.
Guests will experience a stunning display of custom holiday lights, a life-size nativity scene, and plenty of activities for all ages. Warm up by a cozy fire and choose to enjoy s’mores, cookies, and hot cocoa—available for purchase throughout the weekend!
Admission is just $5 for adults and $2 for youth, with all proceeds going directly to the Light Foundation’s programs, which provide life-changing experiences for local youth. From camping trips and youth football camps to leadership retreats and fishing programs, these funds help support the Foundation’s year-round initiatives that serve over 8,000 young people annually.
The Winter Wonderland event was first held in 2020, thanks to a generous donation of pre-lit artificial trees from Lowe’s Home Improvement. What started as a one-time holiday display has quickly become an anticipated annual tradition. The event continues to grow in popularity, with families, friends, and community members gathering each year to celebrate the season and support a great cause.
“Winter Wonderland at Chenoweth Trails is an opportunity for our community to come together, have fun, and support our youth programs. We want to create a memorable experience that brings joy and hope to everyone who attends,” says Matt Light, co-founder of the Light Foundation.
In addition to the spectacular light display, attendees can enjoy: a walk-through holiday light display, life-size nativity scene, crafts for kids, visits with Santa in his workshop, North Pole Express mailbox for letters to Santa.
“This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our amazing sponsors,” says Matt. “Their generosity helps us continue providing these impactful programs free of charge to local youth.”
Local businesses, families, schools, and organizations are invited to sponsor and decorate one of the pre-lit trees on display. For a tax-deductible donation of as little as $50, participants can showcase their creativity and compete for the coveted holiday trophy. The community will vote for their favorite tree, and the sponsor with the most votes will take home the trophy to display proudly.
Funds raised from the event will directly benefit the Foundation’s youth programs, including: Camp Vohokase, Matt Light All-Conference Football Camp, Timber Frame Leadership Camp, LIGHT Project, Hooked on Fishing, and Youth Wild Turkey Hunts.
“In a world full of uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to offer young people mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for growth,” says Brandi Turner, Program and Marketing Manager. “Winter Wonderland is a perfect example of how we can come together as a community to give back and support our youth.”
Top sponsors for this year’s Winter Wonderland include: Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, MM Defense, Arcon Builders, Leis Realty, American Legion Post 140, and Jafe Decorating Inc. Many other sponsors have also stepped up and will be on display each night of the event.
If you’re interested in sponsoring, volunteering, donating baked goods, or contributing to the event, please contact Brandi Turner at 937-316-6352 or brandi@mattlight72.com. The event will be held at Chenoweth Trails, 440 Greenville Nashville Road, Greenville, OH 45331.
We hope to see you there to help us light up the season and support these local programs for young people!
Event Details:
· Friday, December 6: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
· Saturday, December 7: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
· Sunday, December 8: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Admission: $5 for adults, $2 for youth (no RSVP required)
About the Light Foundation:
The Light Foundation (www.mattlight72.com) was established in 2001 by three-time Super Bowl Champion and three-time Pro-Bowler Matt Light, and his wife, Susie. The Light Foundation strives to instill and augment the values of responsibility, accountability, and hard work by providing youth with unique outdoor learning experiences that assist them in reaching their highest potential. Its goal is to lead young people down a path to becoming responsible members of their communities who can pass on the torch of leadership and achievement to their friends and families. Light was drafted in 2001 out of Purdue University and was the anchor for the Patriots offensive line for more than a decade, before retiring in 2012. He received the third New England Patriots Ron Burton Community Service Award in 2005, and in 2008, was presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award for his outstanding work in the community by the Bush administration. In 2012, Light was named Pop Warner’s Humanitarian of the Year, in 2014, was honored with All Sports United’s Humanitarian Award, and in 2015 received the Man of the Year award from the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s New England chapter. In 2018, Light was named to the Boston Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” list, and in 2019, was also named to the publication’s “Power 50” lineup. Matt Light was also inducted into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame in 2018. Since its inception in 2001, the Light Foundation has raised more than $7 million for various programs and initiatives.