The season is approaching when strangers wish joy to those they meet. A Woman’s Work is spreading its own kind of joy by creating a map of Longmont holiday light displays.
In the gloom that COVID brought to all things last year, A Woman’s Work struggled to find a fundraising idea that would meet restrictions. Events were cancelled all around and health professionals were advising families to consider taking the year off from visiting one another.
This did not leave many options for the nonprofit to raise money.
A Woman’s Work connects women who work, live or have children within the geographic area of the St. Vrain Valley School District with resources while experiencing a financial crisis. The organization is funded purely from local donors, local business support and any funds it raises at events.
Working with partners — which include counselors at the school district, individuals at local churches, the OUR Center and many more throughout the community — the nonprofit seeks to identify the best help for women who seek their services, even if that means connecting them to other organizations that may serve the person better, Jennifer Wenande, event coordinator for A Woman’s Work said.
The organization acts as a bridge to fill the gap while women seek financial security, according to its website. Funds allocated through grants can be used to pay for child care, housing, transportation, medical needs and more, according to Wenande.
Fundraising is one of the ways the nonprofits continues to help women in the community. Last year, while restrictions prevented traditional in-person fundraising events from happening, A Woman’s Work brainstormed ways to be creative.
Inspired by the song Be a Light by Thomas Rhett the nonprofit felt it and the community needed an event that brought people together, without actually being able to come together.
“A board member, one day, just threw out the idea ‘what if we had a map of the best lights in town?’” Wenande said.
Looking for a small fundraising idea to keep the funds streaming to women in need, the nonprofit jumped on the idea.
A Woman’s Work, on Friday, will open up sales for it second Be a Light event. Patrons can purchase tote bags for a family of four or six. The bags will include snacks, cocoa, a holiday light map with a song list on the back and more.
The totes for a family a four cost $50 and its $75 for a family of six. Last year A Woman’s work sold a total of 175 bags to the community. This year the nonprofit is hoping to double its sales, Wenande said.
Last year, finding houses to place on the map came from an effort of volunteers who saw a beautiful display — set up early in the holiday season — and knocking on the door. This year, A Woman’s Work contacted those homes and added a few more, now that the word has spread through the community, said Jen Arndt, A Woman’s Work board member said. It is her estimation that the map will include 20-30 houses throughout Longmont for people to view.
While totes sales begin Friday, the map tour will officially begin on Dec. 10 and will run through Dec. 25. Ticket holders are able to break up the tour into as many nights as they wish. The participating houses will have yard signs identifying them as official Be a Light home.
Participants will be able to select the time and location to pick up their totes when they purchase tickets. The following are the times and locations available:
- Friday, December 10, 3-5 PM @ La Momo Maes
- Friday, December 10, 6-8 PM @ Cyclhops
- Saturday, December 11, 12 -2 PM @ La Momo Maes
- Friday, December 17, 3-5 PM @ La Momo Maes
- Friday, December 17, 6-8 PM @ Cyclhops
- Saturday, December 18, 12-2 PM @ La Momo Maes
The fun doesn’t end with the tour. Participants are able to vote for their favorite house through a QR code found on the back of the map. Each person within the car can vote.
Arndt took her adult children on the tour last year. She said her family did not agree with her choice of favorite and laughed how they canceled each others votes but said they all had a great time debating.
Votes will be tallied and the top vote-getters will be announced after Dec. 25. The winning houses will be given a prize, yet to be determined by A Woman’s Work.
