BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. — One local holiday tradition has been hoodwinked by the “Supply Chain Grinch,” according to organizers of The Rotary Club of Ballston Spa’s annual Christmas tree fundraising campaign, but with a little help from the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, they’ve found a solution that will keep the tradition alive.
Since 1972, the club has sold Christmas trees as a fundraiser to support its year-round community efforts. But this year, supply chain issues due to COVID-19 are making it difficult for the club to stock its usual 750 trees.
In response to this predicament, the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce has created a way for folks to donate online, in the amount of a tree, to assist the Rotarians in their mission of community service.
“To help the community, we ask for your unity – to take part in this virtual tree giving opportunity,” the donation website says. “Pick a tree from three sizes – any size will do – and your donation will ensure the Grinch’s tricks are nothing but a hullabaloo.”
Donors can choose from The Tabletop Tree at $25, The Living Room Tree at $55, The Great Room Tree at $85 or give any amount of their choosing to support the initiative.
Rotary and chamber leaders – along with Mr. Grinch and Cindy Lou Who – announced this new virtual fundraiser at Curtis Lumber in Ballston Spa, where the Christmas tree sale is held each holiday season.
“What we’re trying to do is replace the money that’s lost, because we don’t have enough trees this year to sell,” Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce president Todd Shimkus explained, noting that the fundraising goal is approximately $18,000. “That will make the organization whole, which will allow them to do so much good in the community.”
Last week, the club began selling the 160 trees that it was able to secure from the Curtis Lumber parking lot.
The tree sale typically operates until Christmas week, when the Rotary gives away any remaining trees, but this year it is expected to be shorter.
The virtual fundraiser, however, will continue throughout the season.
Doug Ford, Rotarian and vice president of sales and purchasing at Curtis Lumber, reminded supporters that 100% of the funds raised by the Rotary Club go back to the community in a variety of ways. This includes local summer lunch programs, scholarships, providing school supplies to area students and more.
“These organizations count on us every year,” said Ford, who is optimistic about the online fundraiser. “With the help of the chamber, and some extra effort from the Rotarians and our club, I think we’re going to make this work.”
Anyone looking to donate to the fundraiser cause can do so online at https://bit.ly/3kQQXSa.
More information about The Rotary Club of Ballston Spa and its efforts can be found online at ballstonsparotary.com.
