2021 Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights Raises Near-Record Amount to Provide Easterseals Therapy

Hard-working volunteers from Teamsters Local 215, IBEW Local 16, NECA, and Electrical JATC dismantled and removed light displays at Evansville’s Garvin Park. During this takedown day, the Easterseals Rehabilitation Center released an estimate of net proceeds raised by this year’s Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights.  

The nonprofit organization estimates the 28th annual light show raised $223,141 between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, making this our second largest total in event history. In the 28 years of the event, net proceeds have now reached more than $4.1 million to underwrite essential therapy services and inclusive early education at the Easterseals Rehabilitation Center.
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An approximate total of 14,511 vehicles (including horse-drawn carriages) drove through this year’s display. Easterseals estimates this year’s proceeds will help to underwrite as many as 4,462 therapy sessions for local children and adults with disabilities.
 
This year’s total also included an impressive approximate $30,421 in extra donations from Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights visitors, above and beyond their admission fees.  Throughout the 38-night event, the community showed up again and again to support the Easterseals Rehabilitation Center.
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The annual fundraising event and holiday tradition wouldn’t be possible without the expertise and time donated by members of Teamsters Local 215, IBEW Local 16, NECA and Electrical JATC. Additionally, Easterseals wants to thank all the companies, community organizations, and private families who volunteered throughout the event.
 
The 29th annual Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights is already being planned.  It will open on Thanksgiving night and will run through New Year’s Day.  Companies, organizations, churches and families interested in sponsoring a light display are invited to contact Easterseals Director of Special Events, Carolyn Franklin, at 812.437.2607.
       
Major sponsors are Ritzy’s, IBEW Local 16, NECA, Teamsters Local 215, Electrical JATC, International Union of Painters & Allied Trades (IUPAT) DC91, IUOE Local 181 – Operating Engineers, ABC 25 / CW 7, Evansville Living, Lamar, Kenny Kent Chevrolet, Tools 4 Teaching, 104.1 WIKY, HOT96, 93.5 The Lloyd, and 107.5 WABX. Special thanks to the Evansville Department of Parks & Recreation for their continued support of Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights in Garvin Park.