Chamber Shows Up BIG for BCE Family

Last Friday’s Best Christmas Ever Chamber Luncheon was nothing short of amazing, and we are so grateful for the generosity and support of our members and community.

We had a great turnout and were treated to a phenomenal spread provided by Streetcar Kitchen and Pub. The generosity did not stop there. Streetcar did not charge the Chamber for the meal and instead encouraged us to put all funds collected directly toward supporting the BCE family. In addition, they hosted a giving tree at the restaurant filled with tags for items guests can purchase and return to Streetcar. Their kindness and community spirit truly are so appreciated!

Lunch included champagne chicken, fresh garden salad with a little extra flair, glazed carrots, roasted red potatoes, holiday cookies and punch. All of it was enjoyed with great company and an even better cause in mind. A suggested goodwill donation of $20 was collected from attendees.

We also held a 50/50 drawing, with Lisa Angelos winning the pot and then generously donating her winnings right back to the family. In addition, we drew a few winners for Streetcar Kitchen and Pub gift cards provided by the Chamber for those who brought gift cards for the family.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of those who attended, the Chamber raised $721 during the luncheon. That amount was then matched by an anonymous company bringing the total raised from the luncheon to $1,442. It is truly amazing what can be accomplished when a community comes together for a cause.

And the giving did not stop with the luncheon. Additional gift cards were dropped off at Streetcar and monetary donations continued and continue to come in online showing just how generous our community truly is. THANK YOU!

We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Kristy Kari who serves as the team captain for our local BCE family and joined us as our guest speaker. Kristy shared the powerful story behind Best Christmas Ever which began in 2010 when a single dad battling Ulcerative Colitis faced the heartbreaking task of telling his son that Santa would not be coming that year. Instead a small group of family and friends surprised them with gifts turning what could have been their worst Christmas into their Best Christmas Ever. That moment inspired founder Don Liimatainen and a small group of volunteers to continue paying it forward.

Today Best Christmas Ever is a faith based nonprofit that partners with local leaders and businesses to create customized meaningful Christmas experiences for families in need. What started small has grown tremendously. BCE is now supporting over 450 families across 15 states Canada and Costa Rica new this year while remaining rooted in service generosity and love.

We are so close to our $10,000 goal, and if you feel compelled to help us reach it, donations are still being accepted through 12/23. Every contribution, big or small, helps bring light and love to a family who truly needs it this season. Check out how we're doing on our goal here: Best Christmas Ever | Kindful

Thank you to everyone who showed up, gave generously, and continues to support this incredible effort. ❤️

🎁 Items, Gift Cards & Family Experiences Needed

We are specifically looking for gift cards from:

• Super One

• Walmart

• Premiere Theatres

• L&M Supply

• Local gas stations

We are also hoping to bless the family with memberships and experiences, such as:

• Lake Superior Zoo

• Lake Superior Aquarium

• Other family-friendly attractions and activities

If your business offers experiences, services, or items that could benefit this family, we’d love to include them.

A heartfelt thank you to the Carlton Area Lions Club and Chub Lake Tree Farm for helping make our community look so festive this holiday season.

Chub Lake Tree Farm generously donated two beautiful Christmas trees to the Chamber, and the Carlton Area Lions Club took it from there by setting them up and decorating them for everyone to enjoy. The Lions also went above and beyond by purchasing a vintage sleigh to display in the center of town. The Chamber was happy to add a reindeer to complete the scene, creating a display that has quickly become a favorite.

In addition, the Carlton Area Lions hung garland and lights on all of the light poles throughout town, adding such a warm and welcoming glow. The entire area looks amazing, and it would not have been possible without their time, effort, and generosity.

We are so fortunate to have a group like the Carlton Area Lions Club and community partners like Chub Lake Tree Farm who continually give back and help make Carlton such a special place to live. Thank you for all that you do for our community, especially during the holiday season.

Hope we made the nice list this year because Santa Clause is coming to… The Green House!!

Come visit him on Saturday, December 20th from 8-9:45am!

This event is free but be sure to bring your own camera for pictures!