Stacey Whiting
What a night. Truly.
Christmas Cheer in the Pines has always been one of those evenings that feels like the holidays arrive early, with warm conversations, big smiles, and a room full of people ready to celebrate and give back. This year, for our 11th celebration at the Waterville Firehouse, you showed up with more than festive spirit. You showed up with generosity that will make a real difference.
Because of you, we raised $20,000.
That number still makes us pause, take a deep breath, and smile, because behind it are 116 people who bought attendance tickets, friends and supporters who chose to spend their evening with Twin Valley and be part of something meaningful. Your presence filled the room with energy and joy, and it reminded us how strong and caring this community truly is.
And then came the fun. The bidding, the laughter, the friendly competition, and those “I have to have that!” moments that make an auction such a delight. We are so grateful to everyone who donated items, helped gather them, and placed bids throughout the night. In total, 114 auction items sold, bringing in $6,126, and every single one helped push our mission forward.
To our sponsors, thank you for standing with us in such a powerful way. Your support helped make the entire evening possible, and it created momentum that carried throughout the event. This year, sponsorships brought in $9,700, and we are so thankful for your partnership and belief in the work we do.
And to everyone who gave simply because you care, please know how much your generosity means. Donations totaled $9,500, and each gift, large or small, represents someone saying, “Yes, this matters.” You helped strengthen programs, opportunities, and experiences that enrich lives every day.
We also have to celebrate the raffles, because wow. Between the main raffle and basket raffle, you brought the excitement and the holiday cheer in the best way. Together, they raised $5,000, and we are so grateful to everyone who bought tickets, donated baskets, and helped make that part of the night such a hit.
To every guest, sponsor, donor, bidder, raffle participant, volunteer, committee member, supporter behind the scenes, and friend of Twin Valley, thank you. You made this event more than a fundraiser. You made it a celebration of community, kindness, and the incredible things that happen when people come together with open hearts.
Because of your support, the impact of Christmas Cheer in the Pines will not end when the decorations come down. It will carry into the months ahead, into programs, activities, outings, opportunities, and everyday moments that bring connection, confidence, and joy to the people we serve.
From all of us at Twin Valley, thank you for helping make the 11th year of Christmas Cheer in the Pines such a beautiful success. We are so grateful for you, and we already cannot wait to do it again.