The organization known for hosting a series of annual holiday events in St. Michaels, Md. turned virtual in 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions, but did not forget its beneficiaries by providing $48k to 25 local nonprofits through the community’s generous support.

Christmas in St. Michaels is known for hosting fundraising events that usually include a gala dinner, homes tour, street parade, gingerbread house competition, and more. As the Covid-19 pandemic began in early spring 2020, the organization’s board members quickly came together to re-imagine new ways of fundraising through online sales and marketing. The plan worked.

“We promised all of last year’s beneficiaries a portion of this year’s proceeds,” said Christmas in St. Michaels Board President Joan Schneider. “Thanks to our community’s very generous support, we were able to provide $48k in grants to 25 organizations this year.”

Christmas in St. Michaels kicked off its fundraising in Oct. 2020 with an online raffle, with other fundraisers including ornament sales, an online auction and marketplace.

“By far the best addition this year was the Lighted Boat Parade, which was a huge success in lifting the spirits of everyone who watched it,” said Schneider. “Decorated and lighted trees and homes all around the harbor added to the festive mood. We look forward to making this an annual event.”

Christmas in St. Michaels began in 1987 when a group of energetic volunteers recognized the need for daycare services in the community. Funds were raised through community support, and a daycare center was established, now known as Critchlow Adkins Children Centers. Sponsors and patrons of Christmas in St. Michaels since that time have helped raise more than $1.4M in support of numerous local non-profit organizations.

Proceeds from Christmas in St. Michaels help the people served by local non-profit organizations, with the list of this year’s beneficiaries and sales of the 2020 Christmas in St. Michaels Collector’s Ornament featuring an osprey online at christmasinstmichaels.org.