Christmas Island volunteer groups receive over $3,650 each for holiday help

Christopher Harris, Commonwealth Journal, Somerset, Ky.
·3 min read

Jan. 24—A common saying heard around the holidays is that it's better to give than to receive — and six civic groups that gave of their time to the City of Burnside's Christmas Island received a healthy financial boost in return.

The Burnside Tourist and Recreation Commission (also known as the city's Tourism Board) recently gathered with the six groups who volunteered time from mid-November through December to work the gate at Christmas Island, the holiday-themed light display at General Burnside Island State Park.

The city gives a portion of the proceeds collected by cars going through the Christmas Island tour to the non-profits who work the gate, and with a successful 2023 showing, the city was able to give $3,657.58 to each party.

"Since its reopening, Burnside Tourism has partnered with local groups, providing them the opportunity to raise funds for their respective organization, receiving a percentage of gate sales," said Burnside Tourism Director Amy Sweet. "In addition to managing the admission gates, these groups also had the chance to operate concessions, directly benefiting from the profits. Despite facing a wind and hailstorm that led to only a two-hour closure in 2023 — as opposed to the three-day closure in 2022 due to ice — and an increase in overall attendance from the previous year, the civic groups collectively shared a 15 percent portion of gate proceeds."

This year, those civic organizations included the Burnside Elementary School BETA Club; Somerset High School and Meece Middle School Cheer; Burnside Masonic Lodge; Point Isabel Eastern Star; Burnside Little League; and Kentucky Hillbilly Jeep Krew.

Each group took one week over about a six-week period (Burnside Little League had a couple of extra days, having taken the final week).

"Burnside Little League always appreciates working with the city and its events and it helps our youth here in burnside," said Burnside Little League President Danny Bray. "It's really nice to see people form all around the state and all around the region (come to Christmas Island)."

The amount raised to be split up among the various entities was $21,945.57. The overall total that Burnside raised for Christmas Island this year is still being determined.

Sweet said there is a wait list to be among the groups participating to work the gate at Christmas Island, and that the groups that had done it this year had all told the city that they would want to be considered for 2024 as well.

"The dedication of these remarkable groups, who worked tirelessly in wintry cold conditions with a cheerful spirit is truly commendable," said Sweet. "The funds raised will go on to support our local neighbors and contribute to the well-being of our community. Though we may be small in numbers, our hearts are big and mighty! It's an honor to work alongside such dedicated and generous folks! We are continuing our partnership with these groups for 2024 and look forward to another successful Christmas Island season ahead!"