Released on: December 3, 2007, 6:50 pm

Press Release Author: Mike Tapia

Industry: Non Profit

Press Release Summary: For the past 84 years, Christmas Unlimited has helped
children believe in the magic of Christmas, and adults in the kindness of the human
spirit. On December 15th-30th from 5:00-9:30PM, Christmas Unlimited will be
celebrating its 60th anniversary of the region\'s most beautiful holiday lighting at
Seven Falls.

Press Release Body: Christmas is a time of great joy and anticipation for children
of all ages. Christmas Unlimited has been lighting the hearts of children since 1923
and is one of the oldest and most respected charities in the Pikes Peak Region. For
the past 84 years, Christmas Unlimited has helped children believe in the magic of
Christmas, and adults in the kindness of the human spirit. On December 15th-30th
from 5:00-9:30PM, Christmas Unlimited will be celebrating its 60th anniversary of
the region\'s most beautiful holiday lighting at Seven Falls. The grandest mile of
scenery in Colorado, Seven Falls, is located at the farthest point west on Cheyenne
Rd.
The usual fee of $10.25 per person is waived during this special time. Christmas
Unlimited only asks for a $4 per person donation that provides assistance to needy
families during the holidays. The Christmas Unlimited Holiday Lighting will feature
over 100,000 lights, thirty special displays, and the beautiful multi-colored Seven
Falls. Through Dec. 23rd, parents can also bring their children to take a picture
with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Clause
Bob Tretheway, Executive Director, has been serving Christmas Unlimited for the past
16 years. Bob has helped grow the two largest toy collection projects in the pikes
peak region, KRDO's Santa's Toy Drive and KKTV's Toy Drive. "We believe our program
of gift giving has an impact far beyond that of just making a child happy on
Christmas day. It serves to strengthen family unity at a time of year that is
especially difficult for financially challenged parents. Everyone deserves to be
treated with compassion and dignity," Bob said.
This Holiday Season, local businesses will join the Christmas Unlimited Toy Drive
and fund raising efforts by using their television commercials to spread the word
for the need of toys and funds. Nevada Auto Sales owner and president Mike
Bonicelli, along with the star of all their TV commercials "Crazy Herman," recently
shot a commercial inviting viewers to drop off new unwrapped toys at the dealership,
934 South Nevada. Nevada Auto Sales is also donating $50 to Christmas Unlimited for
every vehicle sold now through Christmas. Peter Hoermann, General manager and "Crazy
Herman," hopes to encourage more people to go to this year's Christmas Unlimited
Holiday Lighting at Seven Falls by giving a free Super Herman T-shirt voucher to
everyone that makes a cash donation when entering Seven Falls. The t-shirt is
imprinted with a cartoon image of Super Herman, one of the many characters Hoermann
plays in his TV commercials. Both Bonicelli and Hoermann recently celebrated Nevada
Auto Sales 40th Anniversary and were recently voted Colorado Springs #1 Used Car
Dealership by the Independent newspaper readers. Bonicelli and Hoermann are grateful
to Colorado Springs for their success and supporting Christmas Unlimited is a way
they can give back to the community.
Another local TV star joins the Toy & Fund Drive for Christmas Unlimited. For the
past two years, Diamond City Jewelers and Phillip Diamond (James Bond look alike
character) have battled the Bad Credit Ninja's. The series of commercials air on
Denver and Colorado Springs television networks. The Diamond City Jewelers
spokesperson, "Phillip Diamond", in real life Phillip Tapia, along with his father
Mike Tapia, have been part of the Christmas Unlimited Toy Drive for the past four
years. Mike and Phillip own and operate Tapia Advertising Inc, a Colorado Springs
advertising agency. For every person that provides a donation at The Christmas
Unlimited Holiday Lighting, Diamond City Jewelers will give a $100 gift card in
return. Phillip Diamond's new TV commercial premiers December 1st on FOX 21 KXRM.
Phillip is excited about being able to help Christmas Unlimited through Diamond
City's new commercial. The new ad will depict a Holiday Story "The Ninja's That
Stole Christmas". In this episode Phillip Diamond spoils the Bad Credit Ninja's
efforts to steal Christmas along with the regular ninja antics. Phillip invites
viewers to bring new unwrapped toys and donations to the Colorado Springs Diamond
City Jewelers located at 231 N. Academy.
Christmas Unlimited has been able to annually serve over 12,000 children, giving
parents the chance to select gifts for their children in a store-like, supportive
and up-lifting atmosphere. "The distribution of gifts is designed to support both
the economic and emotional needs of the family. We work only with the family\'s
adults, enhancing their self-esteem, and empowering them as parents" Bob said.
Christmas Unlimited works closely with over sixty community service agencies to
identify and connect with families needing help. In 2006, over 540 individuals, from
all walks of life, contributed over 15,000 hours of their time to Christmas
Unlimited. "Our local charity is driven by our volunteers. Christmas Unlimited makes
a special effort to provide volunteer opportunities for young people, scouts,
schools, and churches. We support a year-round volunteer program for at-risk teenage
boys and girls with Youth Ventures." Tretheway said.
The Christmas Unlimited Toy Drive donations may also be taken to any Colorado
Springs City fire station, A-Five Star Auto Service, Nevada Auto Sales, Carl's Jr.,
Diamond City Jewelers or all Wal-Mart Shopping Centers. "Without the enthusiastic
support of the citizens in El Paso and Teller counties, Christmas Unlimited would be
unable to help the families in need" Bob said.
For information about The Christmas Unlimited Toy Drive call 719 597-1821. You can
also visit their website at www.ChristmasUnlimited.org


Web Site: http://www.ChristmasUnlimited.org

Contact Details: Mike Tapia
Tapia Advertising Inc.
4210 Ramblewood Dr.
Colorado Springs CO 80920
mike@tapiaadvertising.com
(719) 233-4553