Press Coverage

Lighting the lane

Fresno Bee
December 6, 2005

The nonprofit Fig Garden Homeowners Association and its Christmas Tree Lane Committee, which installs and maintains the light display on Van Ness Boulevard in Fresno, are grateful to the Valley for 83 years of support. Children from as far away as San Francisco come to see the millions of lights that span nearly two miles between Shields and Shaw avenues.

Over the years, Christmas Tree Lane has proudly donated approximately $100,000 in proceeds from the two walk nights to Tree Fresno. But now the lane, which completely depends on private donations and volunteers, faces serious infrastructure challenges. Rather than redirect donations to another nonprofit, the lane must refurbish wiring, lights and power systems for its 25-day display.

On April 18, during a joint board meeting, the Fig Garden Homeowners Association and Tree Fresno confirmed the decision to put the partnership on hold for the lane's long-term fiscal health. Tree Fresno graciously supported the decision.

By contrast, Rotary Playland generously funded other charities and later found itself in crisis. We want to avoid that situation.

Please join us for a walk night on Wednesday or drive the lane through Dec. 25.

Phoebe Wall Howard
President, Fig Garden Homeowners Association
Fresno

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