Get into the holiday spirit and help raise money for a worthy cause this year by supporting the Bivona Holiday Lights Tour. Initially created in 2020, this tour is quickly becoming a well-known holiday tradition among Western New Yorkers. More importantly, funds raised in it help Bivona care for and treat abused and neglected children in our local community.
Bivona Child Advocacy Center is a centralized resource for child abuse investigation, prevention, and healing services. They are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization located in Rochester’s South Wedge neighborhood.
As a resource for abused and neglected children, Bivona’s services are vital to our community and surrounding areas. You may not feel that you know anyone impacted by sexual abuse, but according to Bivona, approximately 1 in 10 children have been impacted by sexual abuse before they reach 18, a sobering statistic to remind us that participation in events such as Bivona’s Holiday Lights Tour helps promote a healthy and caring future generation.
Ashley Dotter, Senior Events Manager at Bivona, says, “We provide educational opportunities that cover the prevalence, dynamics, and impacts of child abuse as well as how to prevent it.” Dotter adds that many local businesses educate their workforce about the realities of child abuse and how to be an ally in the fight to end it. She suggests parents of school-aged children reach out to their school administration to find out how the school educates children about sexual abuse, and contact Bivona Child Advocacy Center if there is not already such curriculum.
This year, Bivona teams up with Rochester Gas & Electric and Montage Wealth Management for the Holiday Lights Tour, and they encourage residents across the area to participate. If you love to deck the halls and decorate your house with holiday lights and funky décor, be a part of the tour! While anyone can be included in the holiday lights tour, most homes on the tour are decked from top to bottom with eccentric and over the top Christmas lights. The more festive, the better. Excessive and theatrical holiday displays are part of what make this tour enjoyable and uplifting for all who take part in the event. The tour remains a safe, creative way to enjoy the holidays and get out of the house for a fun night on the town with your loved ones.
In lieu of tickets, starting October 17th, participants can purchase a limited edition “sleigh box” including an easy-to-follow map guide, treats, goodies, and games to keep children occupied in the car during the tour.
Bivona opens its Mt. Hope location to the public on December 9th for sleigh box purchases from 5-8pm. Meet Mr. & Mrs. Claus during their anticipated visit that evening. Celebrate the season by gifting a sleigh box so a family or couple that loves spectacular light displays may enjoy it.
For many Western New Yorkers, light displays are a beloved holiday past time whether you’re assembling them yourself or just passing by to view them. December 9th through New Year’s Day, check out the Bivona Holiday Lights Tour. For more information on the tour and/or volunteer and fundraising opportunities to support this vital community resource, visit BivonaCAC.org.
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