Deck the Trees lets 'Heaven & Nature Sing' for the Holiday Season
Annual heating assistance fundraiser brings cheer and warmth to the Swannanoa Valley
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
December 2, 2022
Forty-two Christmas trees debuted throughout the Swannanoa Valley, Dec. 2, as Deck the Trees returned for its 12th year.
The annual fundraiser, which supports the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry Fuel Fund, features trees decorated by local businesses and community organizations and centers around the theme: “Let Heaven & Nature Sing.”
Twenty-one entries are displayed inside the Monte Vista Hotel, which has hosted the event since it began in 2011. An additional 21 trees can be found in businesses throughout the Swannanoa Valley. Observers are asked to donate $1 per vote for their favorite entries. Each tree includes a donation box, accepting cash or checks, and a designated quick response (QR) code allowing for debit cards. Participants are encouraged to vote as often as they wish.
The money raised by Deck the Trees, which is organized by a team of dedicated volunteers, supports the SVCM’s heating assistance program. The event has raised nearly $200,00 for the Fuel Fund in its first 11 years, including a record-breaking $41,000 in 2021.
The fundraiser is sponsored by more than 20 area businesses and includes past winners: Kilwin’s, the Black Mountain Fire Department, Girl Scout Troop 02498, Herschel’s and Good Mow Joe. They are joined by first-time entries from the Town of Black Mountain, Carolina Mountain Life and Noble & Co. Realty.
Deck the Trees will recognize the entries receiving the most votes in the Monte Vista and the community in January. A panel of judges will also determine the trees that best exemplify the theme, which it shares with the Saturday, Dec. 3 Black Mountain Christmas Parade.
Photos of the entries in the 2022 Deck the Trees fundraiser can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.