CP GROUP’S 9TH ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING BRINGS OVER 2,500 ATTENDEES TO BOCA RATON INNOVATION CAMPUS

Annual community holiday celebrated the season of giving by raising $9000 for Boca Raton charities

The holiday season officially kicked off with CP Group’s 9th Annual Tree Lighting Extravaganza on Thursday, November 21, at Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC). Emceed by WPTV’s First Alert Chief Meteorologist Steve Weagle, the event drew over 2,500 attendees from the Boca Raton and neighboring communities. Residents gathered to enjoy the festive atmosphere and a magical night of holiday cheer with the traditional lighting of a 40-foot tree, a meet-and-greet with Santa, live reindeer, interactive experiences, and local entertainment.

The event kept with the nine-year-tradition of supporting two local causes, the Spirit of Giving and the Junior League of Boca Raton. Access to the event was free for those who brought a new, unwrapped toy to Spirit of Giving. CP Group collected over 2,000 toys, which will support the nonprofit’s Annual Holiday Gift Drive, spreading joy to thousands of children in Palm Beach County. The event also raised nearly $8,000 for the Junior League of Boca Raton, an organization dedicated to promoting volunteerism, empowerment, and community betterment, through the sale of VIP tickets.

A new fundraising initiative this year was CPG Cares, a 501(c)(3) organization founded by CP Group members to support qualified charitable organizations in CP Group’s communities. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the event’s popular inflatable candy canes went to CPG Cares, raising nearly $1,000.

“Our partnership with BRiC’s Tree Lighting is a wonderful opportunity to bring the community together in a festive and meaningful way,” said Nikki Stelzer, President of the Junior League of Boca Raton. “We believe that through collaboration, we can maximize our impact, creating a season of celebration that also champions our mission of promoting voluntarism, empowering women, and improving the lives of those in our community.”

The event transformed the Boca Raton Innovation Campus into a festive winter wonderland, offering experiences for attendees of all ages. Guests entered through the illuminated “Snowflake Lane,” setting the tone for a night filled with holiday cheer. Highlights of the extravaganza included a meet-and-greet with Santa and his “reindeer-in-training” puppies from Justin Bartlett Animal Hospital; “Santa’s Workshop,” a kid-friendly tented area featuring face painting and holiday-inspired activities provided by the Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum and ArtNEST Studios; a petting zoo; holiday-themed bounce house; mesmerizing LED Cirque performers; a 360-camera booth; and bustling “Food Truck Lane.”

The evening included community performances showcasing local talent:

Grandview Preparatory School music students, led by Carrie Furman:
AcaPride, an acapella group of students (grades 6-12) harmonizing holiday pop hits
Extensions, a student ensemble performing pop, jazz, and classical choir arrangements
Organic Movements Dance School presenting an excerpt from “A Christmas Carol”
West Boca Raton Community High School’s CALLIOPE, a treble ensemble for students grades 10-12 arranged by Nat King Cole Generation Hope

CP Group also recognized the accomplishments of several local programs, including the Boca Raton High School Science Olympiad team, as well as the members and leaders of the Boca Raton Little League. The event also honored local artists featured in BRiC’s ‘Art on BRiC Walls’ walking art exhibit, showcasing rotating works from regional organizations such as Florida Atlantic University, Arts Warehouse, and the Boca Raton Museum of Art.

Three artist awards were announced:
Painter of the Year – Marianela Perez
Photographer of the Year – Stacey Daugherty
Sculptor of the Year – Dorothy Gillespie (post-humous)

“Our ninth annual tree-lighting event was a heartwarming reminder of our community’s spirit of generosity,” said Giana Pacinelli, Director of Communications for CP Group. “This tradition brings us together to celebrate the season and, more importantly, to support local charities like Spirit of Giving and the Junior League of Boca Raton. We are grateful for the enthusiastic support of everyone who joined us, helping make a positive impact for those in need.”

Boca Raton Magazine served as the exclusive magazine sponsor, and WPTV as the exclusive TV sponsor. For the first time in three years, sponsorship opportunities were opened to the public.