By Douglas Heizer
Generosity happens all year round. But during the holiday season, the thought of sharing what we have with those who struggle all year to survive is much stronger.
And lately, a lot more people have been struggling to keep their heads above water than have done so in many past years.
Boca Raton has always been a giving community – even when things were difficult. And we know that as Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas approach, that spirit will come alive again.
Carousel Day
One event that is very dear to our hearts at the Boca Raton Tribune is the annual Carousel Day at Sugar Sand Park.
This year, the event will be held Sunday, Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the carousel in Sugar Sand Park at 300 South Military Trail.
This event began as a showing of gratitude by the Greater Boca Raton Beach & Park District to the Boca Raton Rotary Club Sunset for raising some of the money that helped pay for the carousel, which opened in November of 2005.
(I’m sure you all know that I have a special place in my heart for Rotary, for the local clubs and for Rotary International, which is one of the hardest working organizations I have ever been connected with. And it doesn’t take a holiday to bring out the generosity of the clubs here and around the world.)
Anyway, Carousel Day gives Rotary a chance to open up the carousel to the community for free rides, hot dogs and hamburgers. It’s really an enjoyable family day.
What’s really important about the event is the request that all visitors bring an unwrapped toy that will be given to children served by the Wayne Barton Study Center at those who get their meals at Boca Helping Hands.
This is a very important and giving activity, and we hope everyone comes by to enjoy the carousel and give something of themselves to a good cause.
Decoration contest reminder
Don’t forget, the Boca Raton Tribune is sponsoring a Holiday Decorations Contest open to everyone in Boca and West Raton. There will be a small fee to participate (to benefit the Rotary Club Foundation) and prizes will be presented in four separate categories:
“Most Popular Decorations” (as determined by an online public vote)
“Best Themed Decorations”
“Best Apartment or Condominium Decorations”
“Best in Boca” (the grand prize winner)
We are also looking for local sponsors to provide prizes and/or funding to help make this event the best it can be.
There will be intense coverage of this contest and its sponsors in both the online and print editions of the paper. The contest will also be the front page feature in our special Holiday Edition paper following the contest’s conclusion.
A panel of well-known residents is now being organized to judge the submissions.
Email douglas@bocaratontribune if you would like to participate, or for more information.