Celebrate The Season raises more than $154,000 for local charities

L to R: Moncks Corner Councilwoman Latorie Lloyd Walkter, Santee Cooper Chief Customer Officer Vicky Budreau, Old Santee Canal Park Director Brad Sale, and Moncks Corner Mayor Thomas Hamilton (Photo courtesy Santee Cooper/Paul Zoeller)

Celebrate The Season will donate $154,426 in 2023 event proceeds to local charities in the coming weeks. The annual holiday lights driving tour and festival, presented by Berkeley Electric Cooperative and organized by Santee Cooper, has raised more than $1.3 million dollars for the community over its 13-year run, thanks to the generous contributions of sponsors, volunteers and visitors.

“Celebrate The Season is the gift that keeps on giving throughout the entire year, and the money raised for local charities will provide much needed support for our neighbors in need,” said Jimmy Staton, Santee Cooper President and CEO.

Santee Cooper will distribute the proceeds to previously designated local charities, which include

• $56,345 to the Coastal Community Foundation’s Giving Back to Berkeley Fund.
• $56,345 to the Town of Moncks Corner Miracle Field Project.
• $15,868 to the Callen Lacey Center.
• $10,000 to the Berkeley County Museum and Heritage Center.
• $7,934 to the Home Community Fund.
• $7,934 to the Berkeley Animal Center.

The 2023 holiday event was sponsored by 55 area businesses. Approximately 8,700 vehicles traveled through the Holiday Lights Driving Tour, with a significant increase in attendance on days featuring the Holiday in the Park festival at Old Santee Canal Park.