Beth & Joe sparking some magic to light up holidays for local nonprofits

The Dalles, Ore. Nov. 12, 2024 — Beth Slowik is ready to deck their yard in a mission to capture the spirit of giving and recapture the joy of their youth. 

“I grew up in a rural area,” they said on Tuesday, Nov. 12. “There was no Santa. The nearest Santa was at a shopping mall an hour away.”

Beth and Joe Slowic with trusty pal scrappy-Doo. The trifecta of fun are looking for some camraderie in their dream of bringing a holiday event to their backyard to benefit local nonprofits.

But they had great neighbors in Hesperia, Calif. 

They lit up their yard with Christmas lights and welcomed all to enjoy it. 

It was a highlight of the season when they were a kid. 

Those memories inspired Beth to keep the magic alive by hosting a similar gathering in The Dalles. 

And here’s a chance for others to join in the fun. 

“We need day-of-runtime volunteers, setup assistance from 2-5 PM on November 24th, and cleanup assistance from 2-5 PM on December 14th.”

The event will take place on November 30th and Dec. 1st, 5-7 p.m. at the Slowik’s home at 1411 G St. in The Dalles. 

“Raising our infant and running a business makes it impossible for us to host this event alone so we’re calling on the community to bring their Yule log, Jesus, Krampus, whatever makes their holiday season bright and join the fun by volunteering or donating,” Beth said. 

You may know Beth and Joe Slowik. Beth teaches yoga and meditation classes in The Dalles and Joe from his musical offerings at venues like Last Stop. They also own Cherry On Top Construction.

The event is free but donations will be collected for MCCAC, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, and Columbia River Keeper.

 “Thank you so much for helping to get the word out about this free community event we’re dreaming into reality,” Beth said.

Those interested in helping can provide their information here:  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/191TorXfRkvelAlerw8Mr4Ddd_AFArsvFW0NsR5smsSs/edit