The 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa is proud to mark the 15th and final year of its beloved “Christmas Forest” charity tradition, concluding with the 2023 winners: 1st Place — People Helping People 2nd Place — ECHO 3rd Place — Loaves and Fishes In this farewell year, the Crescent is thrilled to announce that charities raised a total of $6,618 in 2023, bringing the grand total of charitable contributions over the past 15 years to an impressive $55,372.
The “Christmas Forest” tradition, which began in 2008 as part of the annual Christmastime at the Crescent and has been joined in sponsorship by Brashears Furniture, has been a way for the community to come together and support local and area charities and a testament to the generosity and spirit of giving that defines the wonderful Eureka Springs community.
The idea behind the “Christmas Forest” started with general manager Jack Moyer as a way to introduce the community to a newfound Christmas spirit at the hotel and has since evolved into a yearly transition for the East Lawn to be graced with more than 30 beautifully illuminated Christmas trees. The trees are decorated by local charities, using the talents of local citizens and hotel employees. The result is a charming setting where folks can enjoy a stroll, soaking in the festive atmosphere of decorations and goodwill.
Past winners have been many with the biggest vote gatherer happening in 2016 when O.A.R.S. generated 1,376 votes.
On New Year’s Day, the votes were counted, and the top three vote-getters received their vote money as well as additional cash prizes from the Crescent Hotel and Brashears Furniture: $200 for first place, $100 for second place, and $50 for third place. Additionally, an honorable mention donation of $100 is made to all other participating charities. “The Crescent Hotel would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported the ‘Christmas Forest’ tradition over the years,” the hotel said in a news release. “It has been a privilege for the hotel to be a part of this wonderful journey, and this tradition wouldn’t have thrived without the incredible generosity of our community. Planning has begun for 2024 and one thing is assured; the community will be welcome at Christmas at the Crescent.”
