🕯️ Where do I find the nomination form? Click here to go to the nomination form!

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🕯️ Where do residents get the sponsorship form? Click here to go to the sponsorship form!

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🕯️ Where do I find the Virtual Auction items up for bid? The auction will open on December 16th. 

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🕯️ Where do residents get the lantern kits?

Purchase lantern kits in our online store. Choose home delivery or clubhouse pickup at checkout. Indicate your preference for delivery or curbside pick-up at checkout. Credit cards and PayPal are accepted.

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🕯️ When do I put them out?

Anytime Saturday. Light them or have a neighbor light them for you around dark (5:30 - 6:00 PM).

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🕯️ Why can't we just make our own lanterns?

You can, but by exchanging our lantern kits for a donation, you are helping neighbors in need.

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🕯️ Can I put some out for my neighbors while they are gone?

Great idea! Ask them, and maybe make a donation on their behalf.

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🕯️ What do I do if I won't be here?

Lanterns burn all night, so if you come home late, you can still see the display. We will take lots of pictures!

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Make your donation early, arrange for neighbors to watch for your delivery, or pick up lanterns and put them out for you.

 

🕯️ Are there other ways to participate?

    -- Donate,

    -- Be a sponsor, (Click here to complete the form.)

    -- Loan your golf cart to volunteers to use for deliveries or setting up the public area displays,

    -- Bid on Virtual Auction items,

    -- Gather a group and go caroling,

    -- Walk around and enjoy,

    -- Join the cleanup.

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🕯️ Why this date (vs. Christmas Eve)?

So many people travel and have other obligations; fewer volunteers are available.

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🕯️ Why is it only one night?

Some organizations do it several nights, but we focus effort and energy and minimize expenses so we have more proceeds to give away to neighbors in need. 

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🕯️ When is the rain date?

We hope we don't need one, if we have to postpone, we can do it Sunday vs. Saturday (or maybe the next weekend).

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Volunteers have work and school, therefore we avoid weeknights. Other organizations do it on the 24th, but we think there's too much else to do then.  

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Materials for lantern kits are purchased, and many are assembled before the event, so expenses are the same whether or not it rains.

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Our auction is online and will occur rain or shine.

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One year the event survived the threat of rain and a light drizzle—it actually enhanced the event.

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We'll make a cancellation decision when the forecast indicates. Organizers decide what to do with sponsorship donations collected if the event is canceled. Donations exchanged for lanterns aren't returned. Residents keep lantern kits to light when they please.

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🕯️ Why is the neighborhood supporting a religious holiday?

Christmas is a national secular holiday as well as a religious holiday.

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The holiday is an opportunity to come together when folks are out of school and work. Seasonal traditions encourage giving, solidarity, and hope (all themes reflected in our celebration).  

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🕯️ Where does the money go?

To a neighbor in need, nominated by residents, and selected confidentially, by a secret committee of volunteers.

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🕯️ How is the gift recipient chosen?

From confidential nominations, by a secret volunteer committee of organizers.

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🕯️ How did we do last year?

It was one of our most successful ever, we made enough to cover expenses and give five gifts to needy folks.

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🕯️ What are the torches on the Germander Pond peninsula for?

They honor neighbors who died since our last celebration. Please use the form on the home page to let us know if you know someone who should be honored.

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🕯️ What is Signup Genius?

An online tool to allow us to know we have people to cover roles and tasks. Volunteers get an email reminder and we know whom to thank. Find the link to the SignUp Genius on the Volunteer page of this website.

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🕯️ What's the postage-stamp-looking thing on the printed material?

It's a QR code designed to make it easy to access this site and "Signup Genius" even if you forget the address. It can be scanned by pointing your smartphone camera at the QR code. The QR code opens the website and from there, you can go to the volunteer page and click the SignUp Genius link.

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🕯️ How do you use a QR code?

Point your smartphone’s camera at the QR code. Click the link that appears and go to the website. Go to the volunteer page and click the SignUp Genius button. There you will choose a role and time, enter the information requested; we'll be notified, and you’ll get an email reminder. If you are having trouble viewing SignUp Genius on your device, download the SignUp Genius app from your app store.

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🕯️ What if I don't have a computer, how do I sign up to play a role?

Email us or ask any volunteer you see during the event. Some of the tasks can be completed before the scheduled weekend. 

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🕯️ What if I don't have an email address?

You won’t receive a reminder, but sign up anyway! If you do, organizers will know who and how many to expect for each task.

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🕯️ Who cleans up?

Volunteers (sign up and join us) or just join us Sunday morning.  

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🕯️ Is it a fire hazard?

The 6-hour votive candles are small and set in sand. The dew dampens the bag. No problems in 16 years.

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🕯️ I have other questions. Who do I contact?  Click here to go to our contact page

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