The Christmas Cottage is officially open now until Dec 22nd and the community was more than excited to celebrate helping families in our community this holiday season at the Cottage at its Open House this past Wednesday, Dec 6th!

Community members, donors, volunteers, and supporters all came out to celebrate the magic of the Christmas Cottage while also spotlighting everyone who helped to make this year’s Christmas Cottage come to life.

Santa Claus made his special holiday appearance delighting guests with his jolly laugh, and asking children what they wanted for Christmas, while parents got to enjoy an all-exclusive tour from the GRACE Christmas Cottage volunteers.

Attendees enjoyed Christmas music, delicious food catered by Steve Brown and Ezparza’s, wonderful wine from Tessa Battlefield with Piattelli Vineyards, and tea from Todd Bockenfeld with HTeaO.

GRACE’s Chief Executive Officer, Shonda Schaefer spoke about the Christmas Cottage and that it relies on community efforts. “The Christmas Cottage is a program that many families in our own backyard look forward to each year,” said Shonda. The role that the community plays in donating, volunteering, or supporting the Cottage is very important to the entire mission of GRACE.”

Chief Programs Officer Stacy Pacholick and Season Programs Coordinator, Beth Chernik, followed up by sharing stories about the true impact that being involved with the Christmas cottage can have on the community and encouraged everyone to be involved in any possible way that they can.

Afterward, everyone enjoyed the night with more snacks, wine, and laughter as they celebrated the opening of the Christmas Cottage.

The GRACE staff wants to thank everyone who made this year’s Christmas Cottage possible including building owners Mike Levitt and Blake Lugash along with property manager Jeannine Turley, Mark Boone with Realty Capital Management, LeeAnn Brown with Silver Oak Commercial Realty, and Andy Gabeheart with OIG who helped install the temporary walls for this space.

GRACE also wants to thank each and every donor, supporter, and volunteer who has supported the Christmas Cottage in any way. This would not be possible without your help.

The GRACE Christmas Cottage runs from now until Dec 22nd. If you’re looking to get involved, please reach out to Beth Chernik at bchernik@GRACEGrapevine.org.