OLYMPIA — Against the backdrop of a difficult economy for many people across the state, members of the Association of Washington Business (AWB) have again stepped-up to fund the purchase of food and toys for some of the state’s neediest children and families.

Next Friday, Dec. 2, AWB will mark the start of the holiday season with its 23rd annual Holiday Kids’ Tree Project and tree-lighting ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda. Port Blakely Tree Farms, an AWB member company, is donating the tree to the state for this year’s festivities. As in recent years, a representative from the military will light the tree. This year Senior Airman Samuel Lovelady, a Patrol Leader from the 627th Security Forces Squadron from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and his family will join Gov. Gregoire for the ceremony.

AWB’s annual holiday campaign started back in 1989. Since then, AWB member businesses have contributed almost $320,000 to the charitable program. Donations this year have already surpassed $20,500. Monies are distributed to representatives from rural fire departments to buy and distribute the gifts to families in their communities.

AWB’s Holiday Kids’ Tree Project has quite a history. Learn more by viewing the interactive timeline here.

AGENDA

WHO:        Association of Washington Business
                     • AWB President Don Brunell
                     • Gov. Chris Gregoire (invited)

WHAT:           AWB Holiday Kids’ Tree Lighting Ceremony

WHERE:        Capitol Rotunda/State Legislative Building
                          416 Sid Snyder Avenue SW
                          Olympia

WHEN:           FRIDAY, DEC. 2, 2011
                         5:30 p.m. – Governor’s presentation of gifts (State Room)
                         6:00 p.m. – Welcome: Joyce Turner, director, WDES
                         6:05 p.m. – Musical performances by Kids in Koncert
                         6:12 p.m. – Statement of appreciation: Tom Hosea, AWB Chair of 
                                             the Board
                         6:20 p.m. – Additional musical selections by Kids in Koncert
                         6:27 p.m. – Tree lighting ceremony: Gov. Gregoire, Senior Airman   
                                            Samuel Lovelady and family.
                         6:35 p.m. – Santa arrives!


About the Association of Washington Business
Formed in 1904, the Association of Washington Business is Washington’s oldest and largest statewide business association, and includes more than 7,600 members representing 650,000 employees. AWB serves as both the state’s chamber of commerce and the manufacturing and technology association. While its membership includes major employers like Boeing, Microsoft and Weyerhaeuser, 90 percent of AWB members employ fewer than 100 people. More than half of AWB’s members employ fewer than 10. For more about AWB, visit www.awb.org.