Deck the Trees collects $126,000 for local heating assistance

Annual holiday fundraiser puts a bow on another record-breaking season

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
January 8, 2025

Deck the Trees Committee Chair Libba Fairleigh celebrates a record year, as the annual fundraiser supporting the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry Fuel Fund raised $126,000. Fairleigh, who is retiring from her volunteer role after 13 years, was recognized by the committee, Jan. 6. Photo by Fred McCormick

As bitterly cold winds whipped around the exterior of the Monte Vista Hotel, Jan. 6, Deck the Trees celebrated another record year in its mission to keep Swannanoa Valley residents warm in the winter.

Organizers of the annual fundraiser supporting the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry Fuel Fund presented a check for $126,000, while recognizing the longtime committee chair who has played a pivotal role in the growing success of the campaign.

What has evolved into a local tradition began, in 2011, as an informal exhibit featuring a few Christmas trees. By its second year, volunteers leading the initiative, which allows participants to vote for their favorite entry with cash donations, recognized the event’s potential as a holiday-themed fundraiser.

Under the guidance of Libba Fairleigh, a founding member of the group and chairperson of the Deck the Trees Committee since 2012, the campaign has raised more than $460,000 to assist area residents with heating bills. Fairleigh’s tenure includes what was then a record-breaking season in the midst of the COVID pandemic, when the display was expanded to include trees in area businesses and an online voting option.

As Tropical Storm Helene brought widespread devastation to the area last September, the committee, anticipating an increase in the community’s need for heating assistance, moved forward with its 2024 theme, “Winter Wonderland,” which was also used for the Black Mountain Christmas Parade.

SVCM Director Kevin Bates honored Fairleigh, who is retiring from her role on the committee, as the “guiding light” of Deck the Trees.

“You have given such a gift of your time and energy to this community, and with all of your service,” Bates said, addressing the chair in front of audience that included sponsors, participants and others associated with the event. “She has really guided this whole committee and event for more than a decade, and we really want to thank Libba. We are so grateful for you.”

The committee unveiled a plaque for the “Libba Fairleigh Share the Warmth Award,” which will contain the names of the trees that raise the most money each year.

Black Mountain Girl Scout Troop 2498 presents a check from Deck the Trees to the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry Fuel Fund, Jan. 6, at the Monte Vista Hotel. Photo by Fred McCormick

“It has been my joy and my honor to get to know this fabulous committee, our sponsors and become friends with all the people who have created trees,” an emotional Fairleigh said. “When we first started this, we were just sort of doing it because the trees were pretty. But, as the years went on, I’ve really started to understand how much it means to our community to have these trees and help our neighbors.”

Fairleigh will return each year to recognize a tree from the Monte Vista and another from the community.

“I am more than proud to be able to come back and honor all the trees in the future,” she said. “What a lovely gift.”

In her final presentation as chair, Fairleigh announced three winners of the 14th Annual Deck the Trees. Girl Scout Troop 2498 and Black Mountain Presbyterian Weekday School raised the most money of the 27 trees displayed in the Monte Vista Hotel, while Europa and Black Mountain Family Eye Care topped the 24 community entries.

In the wake of a natural disaster that displaced many throughout the Swannanoa Valley, the community’s response this year was “incredible,” according to Fairleigh. The event, which increased its 2023 total of $78,000 by 61%, featured a record number of entries. Deck the Trees included nine first-year participants and three by organizations that have decorated trees since the first year.

More than 20 local sponsors, including Givens Highland Farms and Mark Kleive Renewing Smiles, contributed over $31,000. Through its Community Fund, White Horse Black Mountain donated $20,000 to the campaign.

“The money they donate does not go toward running Deck the Trees,” Fairleigh said. “Just like with the money you pay to vote, it goes straight to the SVCM Fuel Fund. I really want to thank all of our sponsors.”

The nonprofit’s heating assistance program was utilized by approximately 400 households last winter, according to the director, but as additional critical needs increase in the months after Helene, SVCM is bracing for a cold winter.

Fifty-one trees in the Monte Vista Hotel and various businesses throughout the Swannanoa Valley raised a record $126,000 for Deck the Trees in 2024. Photo by Fred McCormick

“What a gift it has been over these past few weeks to have folks come in, knowing what we’ve been doing with Deck the Trees, and be able to tell people we think we can help them cover their heating bills,” Bates said. “SVCM is so grateful to utilize what you guys have done to help our neighbors and serve this community.”

The event will return for its 15th year with a theme of Christmas in Music & Song.

“I’ve always believed that Deck the Trees truly reflects the kindness and generosity of this community,” Fairleigh said. “It really is amazing to see so many people come together around these beautiful trees and help their neighbors.”