The Springfield Luminary Fund is pleased to announce it has raised $5,496.04 for this year’s contribution to local Springfield organizations.

Over the three years it has been held, this fundraiser has donated nearly $18,200 to organizations including Springfield’s Volunteer First Aid Squad, Springfield's After-Care Program, Springfield Turf Foundation and the Jonathan Dayton High School Baseball and Softball Programs.

The luminaries were lit on New Year’s Eve throughout Springfield. The success of the project is attributed to this supportive community which has proven to truly care and share with those in need.

The 2011 recipients are:

1. The Springfield Free Public Library

2. Jonathan Dayton High School Basketball Programs

3. Some Springfield residents adversely affected by Tropical Storm Irene (To be distributed by Springfield H.O.P.E.) 

The Springfield Luminary Project was made possible through committed residents Mike and Carrie Dzikowski, along with Dana and Vincent Gatto, who organized this non-profit organization three years ago.

“We feel this is a special tradition. All members of the township can easily participate and create a better sense of community while serving as another beneficial source of assistance to the town’s various needs,” said Mike Dzikowski.

Order forms for the luminaries were mailed in early December. Residents could purchase luminaries for $2 per bag. The sand and candles were then delivered by volunteers on or before New Year’s Eve to the homes of those that participated.

Anyone driving around Springfield on New Year’s Eve could have seen the magnificent chain of glowing lights on many streets. We expect the fundraiser will become an eagerly awaited tradition and continue to grow in popularity.

Laurie DeCiantis expressed her enthusiasm in an email: “Thank you for getting our luminaries to us. They looked beautiful throughout our neighborhood last night. This is a wonderful fundraiser! Thank you for doing it each year. All the best in 2012!”

Without the help of local businesses to help defer the increasing cost of supplies, the luminary fundraiser would not have been a success. This year the Springfield Luminary Fund would like to thank our business sponsors, McLynn’s Pub & Restaurant; Calderone School of Music; the DeJianne Family; Salon Bangles and ATA Martial Arts of Springfield on Morris. Ave. Special thanks go to our ‘Gold’ Sponsors, Marisa Pica of Weichert Realty; 7-Eleven of Springfield; UBS Financial Services/Wealth Management of Westfield.

Thank you again to all residents that contributed and/or participated.

Have a very healthy, Happy New Year!