Christmas Tree Fundraiser Shines a Light on Watertown’s Nonprofits
January 3, 2025
The Watertown Area Community Foundation’s annual Christmas Tree Fundraiser has once again brought the community together to celebrate and support local nonprofits while raising awareness of their missions. Held at the Watertown Regional Library, the event awarded over $16,000 to fifteen area organizations, highlighting the vital work they do in our community.
The fundraiser invited community members to cast $1 votes for their favorite decorated trees throughout December. Each participating nonprofit received a matching donation of up to $300 from the Foundation, with an additional $500 unrestricted grant awarded to the organization that garnered the most votes.
This year, Rachel’s Hope, a nonprofit launched in mid-2024, achieved an extraordinary feat by securing first place. The organization raised a total of $3,547, including the Foundation’s match and the top grant award. Their success not only underscores the generosity of Watertown’s residents but also highlights the remarkable awareness they’ve brought to their mission in such a short time.
Second place went to Mellette House, which raised $2,854, further demonstrating the community’s deep appreciation for preserving local history.
Other participating organizations included:
- 4 the Kids SD
- Boy Scout Troop 209
- Brothers & Sisters Behind Bars
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes
- Joy Ranch of South Dakota
- Northern Prairie Arts
- Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation
- Special Olympics Watertown Area
- The Village of Harmony Hill
- Town Players Community Theater
- Watertown Area Snow Queen
- Watertown Cares
- Watertown Regional Library
“The Christmas Tree Fundraiser is a wonderful way to spotlight the incredible work of local nonprofits, and seeing Rachel’s Hope take the top spot this year shows how quickly their mission has resonated with our community,” said Cammie Mengwasser, Executive Director of the Watertown Area Community Foundation. “This event brings people together to celebrate and support the organizations that make Watertown such a special place to live.”
The Watertown Area Community Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to the participating nonprofits, the Watertown Regional Library, and the generous donors who made the 2024 Christmas Tree Fundraiser a resounding success.
>>> Rachel’s Hope earned the top spot in the Watertown Area Community Foundation’s Annual Christmas Tree Fundraiser. Founded in 2024, Rachel’s Hope supports community members in crisis by providing essential items to help them through challenging times.
Tree Fundraiser Recognition >>> Representatives from the participating Christmas Tree Fundraiser nonprofit organizations gathered at the Library to receive their funds donated by community members and matching Foundation grants. Photo credit: Roger Whittle
Front row: Ally and Brightly Pratt, Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Amber Hanson, Special Olympics Watertown Area; Angel Oeltjenbruns, The Village of Harmony Hill; Maureen Anderson, Mellette House; Cammie Mengwasser, WACF Executive Director. Back row: Maria Gruener, Watertown Regional Library; Lisa Dahl, Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation; Morgan Yetter, Joy Ranch of South Dakota; Amanda Woodruff, Rachel’s Hope; Gisele Stout, Boy Scout Troop 209; Beth Lalim, Watertown Cares; Jeff Anderson, Mellette House; Kristen Henderson, WACF Communications Director.