Update:
We’ve done it! Portsmouth has agreed to hang colored lights on the tree. And not only that - they’ve purchased the lights and we will be seeing them THIS YEAR!
Please join the fun Saturday 12/2 at 5:30pm in Market Square to watch the tree lighting and Christmas parade! With any luck they will let Cody help flip the switch!
Thank you to all our supporters who signed and donated. We have been able to raise enough to cover the cost of the lights with about $1000 left over to support our charities but we will keep our GoFundMe alive throughout the holiday season in hopes to reach our $5000 goal. Please continue to help us promote this great cause!
My name is Cody and I just turned 7 years old last week. I love colored Christmas lights and I'm trying to raise money for colored Christmas lights for the Christmas tree in Market Square in Portsmouth NH (and a couple of great charities). I'm asking the City of Portsmouth NH to agree to alternate colored and white lights every other year on the Christmas tree in Market Square provided that:
- 2000 people sign our change.org petition: please sign here.
- We raise enough money to pay for the lights.
Personal Story:
My family moved to Portsmouth a couple of years ago. I love walking and scooting downtown year round, but I really love it during the holidays. The only problem is that the Christmas tree in Market Square always has white lights on it. My dad really likes white lights but my mom and I love colored lights more because they are more fun.
I think it would be more fair if we alternated colored lights every other year. The city just purchased white lights a couple of years ago but if we are willing to cover the cost and enough people want colored lights like me then I don't think they can say no!
Please consider making a donation if you agree.
Christmas lights for the tree are between $2,000-$3,000. Our GoFundMe is aiming to raise $5,000 to split between colored Christmas tree lights and two great charities: Smile Train and I Got Bridged (read more below). All proceeds raised above the cost of the lights will go to these charities. If lights are not purchased, 100% of funds raised will go to these charities:
Reasons for selecting our charities:
We have loved settling into Portsmouth, NH and becoming part of this amazing community. “I Got Bridged” is an awesome organization that helps those in need in the Seacoast including the Elderly, Foster Children, Recovery, etc. They have so many different types of volunteer opportunities so that everyone can get involved to help support those in need.
Smile Train is also very close to our hearts as our son Cody was born with a Cleft Palate. This incredible organization funds thousands of partners and programs throughout the world that help children with clefts receive the treatment they could otherwise never access. Around the world, many children with clefts will never receive the reconstructive surgery they need. Going through multiple surgeries, we firsthand understand the abundance of support and medical assistance families need. Every little bit helps!
Even if you don't want to support the colored lights, you can still help us support these great organizations with your donations!