SAFFORD — The winners of the 25th Country Financial Holiday Light Parade received their winnings, only to immediately donate that money to a number of worthy causes.
The winners gathered for the check presentation at the City of Safford Annex Wednesday afternoon.
“I’d like to mention Pattern Energy, who is the company that actually provided the funds for the awards. They’re not here today, but they need to be mentioned,” said Country Financial’s Vaughn Grant who, along with Jenna Ferrin, sponsor and announce the Light Parade each year.
The theme for the 2022 parade was Christmas Dreams.
Graham County, with its entry “Dreaming of a White Christmas,” and City of Safford Utilities, with its entry “Penguin Christmas Dreams,” tied in the government category. Graham County is donating its winnings to Mt. Graham Safe House, and Safford Utilities is using the prize to pay off Safford School District past-due lunch accounts.
The large business category winner was Open Loop Energy, with its entry, “The Polar Express Dream.” Open Loop donated the prize money to Mt. Graham Safe House.
The River Community Church won in the church category and will use the prize money to help in the development of the Josiah House of Recovery.
The winner in the family category was the Bowman family for its entry, “I’m Dreaming of a Cotton Christmas.” The prize money will go to family and school.
Three of the winners could not be in attendance for Wednesday’s presentation.
Eastern Arizona Cinderella Scholarship Program, with its entry “Cinderella Christmas Dreams,” won in the nonprofit category. The prize winnings will be used for the Eastern Arizona Cinderella Scholarship Pageant, which was held Jan. 13, at Eastern Arizona College.
Triumphant Learning Center’s entry, “TLC is Dreaming of an Aloha Christmas,” won in the school division, and will use the prize money toward its educational programs.
Elite Spray Foam Insulation and Great Clips combined for the entry, “Grinch Stole Christmas, which won in the small business category. The prize will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of the Gila Valley.
