While many were taking advantage of the shopping deals on Black Friday this past season, resident Jason Karge was busy kicking off his light show to raise funds for the Winthrop Veterans’ Food Pantry.
Up until New Year’s Eve, Karge dedicated every night from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm to putting on the show and bringing smiles to the faces of children who would dance on the sidewalk in front of his home on Sunnyside Ave. After immersing himself in YouTube videos for several months, the Army Veteran gathered circuit boards and components to create a festive presentation that was perfectly timed with music.
On the GoFundMe page, Karge’s initial goal was to raise $2,500, however; he surpassed that amount and raised $2,755, which he handed over to Town Veteran Services Officer, Rose Mazzuchelli last Saturday.
“Winthrop Veteran Services has been so blessed this past year,†Mazzuchelli said. “With donations like this one received from Jason’s fundraiser, our Veterans will receive more certificates to buy food or other essentials to assist them.â€
Karge hopes to continue the lightshow tradition every holiday season going forward.
“We really enjoyed the project and are very thankful for the support of our little community. It was great seeing the families come by to enjoy the display. I think we needed a little break from the pandemic even if it was for just a few minutes watching the Christmas light show. I hope to see everyone come back later this year and will be working with Rose to support the needs of our Winthrop Veterans. I still live by the Army values and I believe that veterans have to help other veterans.â€