Greenville Celebrates the Season of Giving at 25th Annual Holiday Luncheon
The city of Greenville was buzzing with excitement on December 4th, as around 1,000 generous guests gathered at the Greenville Convention Center for the 25th annual Holiday Luncheon hosted by the Meyer Center for Special Children. This year was especially memorable, as the event surpassed its fundraising goal of $410,000, raising an astounding $471,407 to support children with disabilities!
A Heartwarming Tradition
The Holiday Luncheon, a beloved event presented by United Community, has become a cherished tradition in the Greenville community. Since its inception in 1999, over 22,000 attendees have participated, making it a staple in kicking off the holiday season. Meta Hendricks, executive director of the Meyer Center, expressed heartfelt gratitude, noting, “This has become a holiday tradition for so many. There’s so many that have been coming year over year because it’s deeply rooted in our community and it’s a very meaningful and significant way to kick off the holiday season looking to those who need our support.”
What’s the Buzz?
The event featured a spectacular 300-item silent auction, filled with unique treasures and experiences for attendees to bid on. Raffles kept the excitement swirling, and a live musical performance had everyone tapping their toes. Each aspect of the luncheon underlined the spirit of giving and togetherness while shining a light on the work the Meyer Center has been doing for over 70 years.
For those unfamiliar with the Meyer Center, it’s a preschool located at 1132 Rutherford Road, dedicated to providing vital speech, occupational, and physical therapy to children with a variety of disabilities. This year’s luncheon not only raised essential funds but also celebrated the meaningful impact the center has had in the lives of so many families over the years.
Looking Back and Ahead
In total, the Holiday Luncheon has raised over $4.2 million since it first began. The success of this event speaks volumes about how the community rallies together to support those in need. The funds raised help ensure that the Meyer Center can continue providing necessary therapies and resources to children and their families who rely on their services.
This year’s success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the relationships built and the community support that underpins the entire event. Each year, there are stories shared, friendships rekindled, and new lifelong connections made, as people come together for a great cause.
Join the Giving Spirit
As the holiday season continues to unfold, the Meyer Center invites everyone in Greenville—and beyond—to embrace the spirit of giving. The success of the Holiday Luncheon exemplifies how collective effort can make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it the most. So grab a friend, spread the word, and let’s keep the momentum going!
The Holiday Luncheon is more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to make a difference and to care for the most vulnerable members of our community. Let’s keep the giving spirit alive! For those wishing to learn more about how to support the Meyer Center and its mission, be sure to check out their website for additional ways to get involved.
This holiday season, remember, every little bit counts, and together, we can continue to create a lasting impact in our community.
