Help Needed to 'Keep Saline Aglow' During Holiday Season

The Saline Area Chamber of Commerce’s "Keep Saline Aglow!" tree lighting campaign received more than $700 thanks to an Acoustic Routes benefit concert and fundraising efforts this past weekend.

With a matching contribution from the Chamber, the concert generated $1,400. More donations are needed, however, as the Chamber has now raised $17,000 toward the total cost of $55,000 to purchase and restring LED lights on 87 trees along Michigan Avenue, North and South Ann Arbor Street.

"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 Chamber of Commerce. "We're so grateful for the generosity of those who donated to the campaign during the Oktoberfest activities and the Acoustic Routes benefit concert."

The concert, held at Mangiamo Italian Grill on Saturday night (Sept. 28), featured Dexter-based classic-rock band Nucleus and Noelle Caprarese, 2013 winner of the Saline High School Talent Show, who both donated their time and performances for the campaign.

Residents and visitors have enjoyed the lighted trees in downtown Saline since a similar campaign funded the project in 2008. 

"The lights, as well as additional decorating by local merchants, have made downtown a glowing tribute to the season," said Trapp. 

This past spring, however, the light strands were removed to allow for repair or replacement, as well as tree pruning. 

The Chamber has purchased 100 new LED light strands – a total of 50,000 lights – and the trees are now ready to be restrung, but funding for installation services, which makes up the bulk of the costs, is short.

"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. 

For more information, visit www.salinechamber.org/lights.

Source: Saline Area Chamber of Commerce