Published: December 01, 2008 06:46 pm         

Organizations to compete in ‘Christmas Around the World’

TERRE HAUTE — Twelve area not-for-profit organizations are participating in First Financial Bank’s 31st annual “Christmas Around the World” decorating contest. The lobbies of the 12 Vigo County branches of the bank have been decorated by the groups and are ready for viewing by the public.

The bank will award $7,000 in cash prizes to the organizations for their efforts. A three-member panel will judge the decorations based on creativity, originality and an accurate depiction of the Christmas theme chosen by the group. First place receives $1,500; second place, $1,000; third place, $750; fourth place, $500; and fifth place, $450. The remaining organizations each receive $400. Judges this year are Sherri Wright, Arts Illiana; Andrew Conner, Downtown Terre Haute Inc.; and Jean Shutt, community volunteer. Judging will take place on the morning of Dec. 5, and the media will be contacted with the judges’ decisions.

Participating organizations, their themes and banking center locations are Terre Haute Symphony Association, “Holiday Music Makes the World Go Around,” Main Office; Community Alliance & Services for Young Children, “A Fine Feathered Christmas,” The Meadows; Wabash Valley Breast Cancer Survivors Organization, “The Softness of a White Christmas with a Blush of Pink,” Seelyville; Burnett Extension Homemakers Club, “Welcome to Santa’s Workshop,” Maple Avenue; Northside Neighbors 4-H Club, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” Plaza North; Woman’s Department Club, “Old Fashion Christmas in Farrington Grove,” Indiana State University; Purdue Extension Homemakers Chorus, “Santa! Christmas Ambassador,” West Terre Haute; Delta Theta Tau, “Peace on Earth,” Honey Creek; Epsilon Sigma Alpha, Delta Zeta Chapter, “Unto Us A Child Is Born,” Southland; Vigo County Lifeline, “Nutcracker Suite,” Westminster Village; Maryland Community Church, “Christmas in the Park,” Springhill; and Bethlehem Chapter No. 6 Order of Eastern Star, “The Experience of Kwanzaa: Celebrating Family, Community, Culture,” Industrial Park. The displays are available for public viewing during regular bank hours until noon Dec. 24.

Any not-for-profit organization interested in participating in “Christmas Around the World” next year can call Sally Whitehurst at First Financial Bank at (812) 238-6427.