PHOTO BY NORM SCHULZ“It’s just one of the ways we can give back to our community,” say Mount Dora Boating Center owners Joe and Susan Lewis when asked about the million-plus Christmas lights and scattered holiday displays they install at the facility each year.
This year marks the 25th anniversary that the Lewis family, including children Julia and Joey, has provided an attraction for the season that draws thousands of people to view the lights and displays and participate in special events. But it’s much more than a great show.
It’s become a holiday anchor for the entire community, evidenced by the city of Mount Dora creating a “Light Up Festival” in Elizabeth Evans Park, which is adjacent to the marina. On Nov. 26 each year, thousands of people gather on the Lake Dora shore to greet Santa, who arrives on a lighted boat to witness the lighting of the park and marina.
The Lewis family also held two charity collection events this year. Visitors could tour the marina grounds and watch the annual lighted boat parade in exchange for contributing to the “Toys for Tots — Night of Lights” program. Members of the Marine Corps Reserve welcomed guests who brought a new, unwrapped toy or made a cash donation. Hundreds of toys were collected.
A Mount Dora Boating Center “Cares Light Nite” was held another evening. Partnering with the Lake Cares Food Pantry, visitors were asked to bring canned goods or make a cash donation before listening to the music and taking family pictures around the lights and displays.
The Lewis family also staged a movie night. Hundreds watched the movie classic “Home Alone 2,” which was shown on a giant screen under the stars with all the marina’s lights glowing in the background.
We often see news coverage of professional athletes or movie stars using their celebrity status to make a positive impact. They’re giving back by doing something that matters in their community or helping a worthy group get a boost in fundraising. And it’s not just about publicity, albeit that often comes. It’s more.
Clearly, the Lewis family years ago discovered how to give back in their community and impact lives in such a positive way. And while clearly not their objective, the business has benefitted, too. “When talking with a boat sale or docking prospect on the phone,” says Joe, “we often hear ‘You’re the marina with the Christmas lights, right? I know where you are.’ ”
The truth is every dealer can identify a cause that means something to them, their employees and their community. It doesn’t require stringing a million lights. It simply means “giving back” in time and treasure, and it’s always worth the effort. Merry Christmas.
