A Lehigh Valley tradition that pairs post-holiday fun with charity will return Saturday when participants gather to throw retired Christmas trees as far as they can to raise money for survivors of domestic abuse.
The Peter Kearns Memorial Christmas Tree Toss will begin at 10 a.m. Dec. 20 at More Miles Automotive, 1458 Stefko Blvd. in Bethlehem. All proceeds will benefit Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley, which provides support to survivors of domestic and intimate-partner abuse.
More Miles Automotive and Lehigh Valley with Love Media present the fundraiser, which asks for a $5 donation for each throw. Participants compete to hurl their trees the farthest distance, with prizes awarded for the longest throws. Children can participate in a separate competition featuring smaller trees.
The event started in 2002 as a backyard challenge between the late Peter Kearns and his friend Mike DeCrosta. After Kearns retired in 2013, the tree toss went on hiatus but returned in 2015 and has since become a popular local tradition that has attracted local attention.
“This is one of those rare events that captures everything good about Bethlehem,” said DeCrosta, owner of More Miles Automotive. “Peter started it as a bit of fun between friends, but the way it has grown shows how much this community cares. Every tree thrown helps a family in need, and that is something worth celebrating.”
The event will feature music, refreshments, and giveaways. Donations can be made on-site or through checks mailed to Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley, c/o More Miles Automotive, 1458 Stefko Blvd., Bethlehem, PA. Online donations are accepted at www.turningpointlv.org/get-involved/donate/.
See the Advance Local Guide to Disclosing Use of AI. Generative AI was used to organize information into a news article for this story, based on data provided by Lehigh Valley with Love Media. It was reviewed and edited by a local newsroom.