Holiday Lights in the Park announces a record $86,00 in donations for five local charities.

ST. PAUL, MINN. – February 19, 2014 – The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and King of Kings Lutheran Church of Woodbury are proud to announce that the nightly holiday light display raised the most money for its nonprofit partners of its six-year run.

In total, $86,000 was donated to Second Harvest Heartland, Union Gospel Mission, Saint Paul Parks Conservancy, Saint Paul Police Foundation, and UnderConstruction. Funds are raised through entry fees to the event at St. Paul’s Phalen Park and through CD sales of the compilation album “Holiday Lights Vol. 5,” and the concert event, “Holiday Lights Live,” which played to an enthusiastic crowd at the Pantages Theatre on December 8. To date, $336,000 has been raised for these charities over the past six years.

“The true charitable spirit of our community shined this past Holiday season,” said Holiday Lights Co-Chair Vicki Sandberg. “Despite challenges that ranged from a shorter Holiday season to frigid temperatures, our dedicated patrons came out and celebrated the season all while supporting five great nonprofits who do so much for our community.”

Fellow Co-Chair, Lisa Engh of King of Kings, said that Holiday Lights in the Park is successful because of the dedication of numerous volunteers, faithful attendees and the support of local officials. “Our congregation got involved in hopes of shining a bright light of hope and caring over the community,” said Engh. “This event has done that. Our neighbors and friends have come out in full force to support us. From the local police who direct traffic to the folks who live near the park who volunteer their time, this event has exceeded expectations.”

Union Gospel Mission Director of Donations, Ken Peterson, says that Holiday Lights’ donation of $25,000 to his organization is greatly appreciated. "King of Kings Lutheran Church and the IBEW have blessed our community for six years with the Holiday Lights in the Park. This event literally lights up the Eastside and spreads goodwill and joy throughout our community,” he said. “More importantly, Holiday Lights has helped the Union Gospel Mission provide thousands of homeless and hurting men, women, and children with the gift of safe shelter, warm clothes, nutritious meals and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.”

Sandberg says that the volunteerism and support this event has received is why it continues to grow. “An event like this is only as good as the people who give of their time and talents to make it all work,” she said.

About Holiday Lights:

IBEW Holiday Lights in the Park was developed in association with King of Kings Lutheran Church of Woodbury with the sole purpose of creating fun and affordable holiday events that raise funds to help meet basic life needs for children and adults in the Twin Cities metro area. All of the net proceeds of the CD and Holiday Lights events will be distributed to Second Harvest Heartland, Union Gospel Mission, Saint Paul Parks Conservancy, St. Paul Police Foundation, and UnderConstruction.

For more information please visit our website: http://www.lightsinthepark.org, find us on Facebook:facebook.com/HolidayLightsMN or follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/HolidayLightsMN.