Christmas at The Valley Raises $2,900 for Operation Santa Claus

Program raises $51,000 for Operation in past 25 years

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Dr. Mark Mecham and Susan Spahr

ANNVILLE, PA (12/11/2014)(readMedia)-- Totaling $2,907.74, the collection for Operation Santa Claus at Lebanon Valley College's annual Christmas at The Valley concert was the second largest in the 25-year history of the program, not far below the all-time high of $3,277 raised in 2012.

Much of the enthusiasm for this year's program resulted from the celebration surrounding the 60th anniversary of the concert. The College has sponsored Christmas at The Valley every year since 1954. Four readers in this year's program, all graduates of Lebanon Valley College, participated in that first program 60 years ago: Pat Walter '57, Fran Bova '54, Elma Jean Kreider '55, and Sally Miller-Checket '58.

The retirement of the primary program coordinator also marked this signature event. Dr. Mark Mecham, Clark and Edna Carmean Distinguished Professor of Music at LVC, has directed the program since 1990. Dozens of alumni joined community attendees for this final concert under his direction.

It was under Mecham's influence that donations for the event were directed to Lebanon County's Operation Santa Claus. Just more than $51,000 has been donated to Operation Santa Claus since 1990.

Operation Santa is a collaboration of the Lebanon Rescue Mission and the Lebanon Daily News. Through the program, Lebanon Rescue Mission will alleviate human suffering in Lebanon County by providing shelter, nourishment, clothing, education and healthcare to families in need during the holidays. Lebanon Daily News supports the effort by featuring informative stories of families in need. The newspaper highlights one family each day, from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

Approximately 200 students participate in the holiday program, framed as "A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols," and held in Miller Chapel at 3 and 7 p.m. on the first Sunday of December and simulcast on LVCtv.

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Check Presentation: Susan Spahr, Executive Director of the Lebanon County Rescue Mission, receives a check for $2,908 from Dr. Mark Mecham at the Blair Music Center of Lebanon Valley College. The funds were the latest installment in an annual donation raised at LVC's annual Christmas at The Valley holiday concert. Since 1990, the total exceeds $51,000.