Christmas lights for charity

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — It is the quest for the best Christmas display, while keeping in mind the true meaning of Christmas. This display isn’t about neighborhood bragging rights; it’s also about charity.

Each year, thousands of people come to Ross Marino’s Christmas creation on Brevard Drive near Mayfaire. He collects donations from onlookers and gives all the proceeds to two local charities. Marino said it’s worth all the work.

“Our first year people kept asking if we were taking donations and wondered if that was gonna be part of what we were doing, and we missed the opportunity the first year. But the second year, we made sure we put out a donation box,” Marino said. “We have money going to two local charities. First is Wilmington Christian Academy to their scholarship fund. Second is Canines for Service, and we’ve been doing both of those charities for the last three years.”

Marino raised $3,000 last year. He’s hoping this year will be just as successful.

The light show runs every day in December. It begins at 5:30 p.m. daily. Canines for Service will be there on Friday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. with some of their dogs and talk about what their charity is about. And Santa be there on Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. to take pictures.