Hillside’s Shining Light on Abilities display open to public all month

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The 6th Annual Hillside Shining Light on Abilities holiday light display is now open to all visitors through Dec. 31.

Earlier in the month, snowflakes framed a lighting countdown ceremony where Assistance League of Santa Barbara carolers were joined by live instruments and even Santa Claus as those gathered sang Christmas and Hanukkah songs with a rendition of "Happy Birthday" to close the night.

“I am grateful to the Hillside Facilities Team and those who helped create such a beautiful presentation for everyone to enjoy – residents, their families and loved ones, staff, neighbors, sponsors, donors, volunteers, the Santa Barbara community, and all on the trolley lights tours,” said Michael Rassler.

The Facilities Team at Hillside was assisted for the fifth year in a row by Boy Scout Troop 37, including Will Rubison who traveled from San Francisco to volunteer.

“Helping at Hillside with Shining Light on Abilities around Thanksgiving has become a Troop 37 tradition; I wanted to be here to show the younger Scouts the importance of volunteering, plus Hillside always feeds us well!” explained Rubison.

Besides the lights and decorations, a slideshow produced by Office Manager Elizabeth Arendt plays continuously on a large monitor in the picture window of the main Hillside building showcasing some of the 59 individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well participating sponsors.

You can join sponsors to help keep the light show going as well as fund therapy, programs and services residents rely on. Contact Michael Padden-Rubin, Director of Development, at 805-687-0788 or visit online at this link.

There is also a donation lockbox at the main entrance of Shining Light on Abilities located here.