BETHLEHEM, Pa. — It’s been 20-some-odd years of chucking Christmas trees for a good cause in Bethlehem.
Flinging firs in the parking lot of More Miles Automotive on Stefko Boulevard, participants and donors at the annual Peter Kearns Memorial Christmas Tree Toss last Saturday put together $3,277 for area support services.
The money will go toward confidential, no-cost assistance for survivors of abuse in Lehigh and Northampton counties, according to an event release.
The charity event is named for its late founder Peter Kearns, who started the holiday tree tossing alongside Mike DeCrosta with just friendly competition in mind originally.
“The competition is fun, but what really matters is that the community shows up year after year to support people who need help. Raising over $3,200 this year is something everyone involved should be proud of.”Mike DeCrosta, More Miles Automotive service manager
It’s said that since the event’s first year in 2002, there has only been one brief pause in the celebration following Kearns’ retirement in 2013.
The Christmas tree toss returned in 2015, sprucing up its community support since then.
The 2023 showing brought in nearly $2,300, and the 2024 event collected almost $3,000.
'Competition, community, and compassion'
It has received broad acclaim for “its blend of competition, community, and compassion,” according to the release.
“The competition is fun, but what really matters is that the community shows up year after year to support people who need help,” said DeCrosta, More Miles Automotive's service manager.
“Raising over $3,200 this year is something everyone involved should be proud of.”
Donations went to benefit Turning Point of Lehigh Valley — an Allentown-based nonprofit operating as “a safe place where all survivors of domestic and intimate partner abuse and their children can find refuge,” according to its website.
Panayiota Papadopoulos, Turning Point's training and education advocate, said events like the tree toss “make a real difference for us.”
“We are a relatively small organization serving two counties, and community fundraisers help ensure our services remain available at no cost to survivors and their families,” Papadopoulos said.
Donations benefiting Turning Point Lehigh Valley may still be made online.
Donations also can be made on site or by mailing a check payable to: Turning Point of Lehigh Valley c/o More Miles Automotive, 1458 Stefko Blvd., Bethlehem, PA 18015
