STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — What began as a promise after unimaginable loss has grown into a Staten Island holiday tradition.

“Lights for Life,” a dazzling Christmas display staged at the Charleston home of Joseph and Marisa DiMartino, is a tradition that continues to shine nearly 25 years later.

The holiday project was created in memory of Joseph’s late wife, Debra Ann — who was lost in the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center while working on the 89th floor of the South Tower.

Left a widower with two young daughters, DiMartino sought to find light after one of the darkest days in the nation’s history.

The DiMartino family recently presented a $91,554 donation to the Brian Halpin Pediatric Cancer Center at Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH), marking their most successful fundraising year to date.

The total includes a $7,500 contribution from Island Auto Group, donated by Marcello Sciarrino and Michael Bobson. Their continued support has helped the initiative grow year after year.

“For us, this was a very special day,” said DiMartino. “Each and every year we try to raise more than the year before, and even with the cold weather and snow this season, we beat last year’s record. That makes me very happy.”

“This year, as in past years, community members sponsored displays that fill every inch of the DiMartino property with animatronic scenes,” noted Jamie Lynn Homan, senior Major Gifts Officer at Staten Island University Hospital,

Sponsors included R. Nuzzolo Electric, the Joseph Maffeo Foundation, EG Healthcare, Scaran, SIUH Service Auxiliary, Vincent Gruppuso Foundation, Christopher & Michael Canale Smashing Children’s Cancer Forever (Wired Delivery Service LLC), Emma & Dr. Brahim Ardolic, Damascus Bakery, and John & Rosemarie Barbieri.

Despite several snow days and weeks of frigid temperatures, thousands of visitors continued to show up with many making donations that added up to the record-breaking achievement.

For DiMartino, that community commitment is what makes the experience so meaningful.

“It’s very heartwarming,” said DiMartino. “People get out of their cars, they come, they donate what they can, and at the end of the season, it all adds up. Knowing they’re helping sick children at the same time gives me an incredible sense of gratitude.”

What began as a modest effort raising just $1,600 has since grown into one of Staten Island’s most impactful grassroots fundraisers.

With this year’s donation, the DiMartino family has now raised more than $600,000 for pediatric cancer care.

“What makes this so remarkable is that it all started with one simple decision to give back,” said Homan. “Joe and Marisa do this purely out of kindness, and that choice has created an impact far bigger than any one season.”

Beyond the numbers, “Lights for Life” has become a true multigenerational tradition.

DiMartino often sees families who once visited as children now returning with children of their own. Some even travel from New Jersey and Brooklyn to experience the display.

“It’s become a family tradition,” he said.

As the DiMartino family looks ahead, the upcoming holiday season will mark the 25th anniversary of “Lights for Life.” – a milestone DiMartino says will call for something “bigger and better” than ever before.

“I don’t know exactly what it’s going to be yet,” he said with a smile. “But whatever it is, it will be massive, and it will honor the promise I made to Debra.”