The Backstory
The Founder of the Veterans' Benefit Christmas Light Show of Avimor, Michael Collins, began collecting Christmas memorabilia years ago, but most were indoor decorations and standard lights. Active in the military, Michael always unfortunately moved around too much to settle down and establish a home base to live out his Christmas lights fantasies.
Michael always aspired to be like Clark Griswold in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, but we think this year, he passed him up!
After...gradually...collecting tens of thousands in outdoor lights and props since 2020, it was suggested that the magical light show be used to raise money for a good cause. Michael couldn't think of a better way to give back to the Servicemen of our great country.
The Collins’ goal is to have the show be more and more spectacular each year. All proceeds go to assisting local families of veterans in need during the holiday season.
Donations of any size are greatly appreciated.
The Stats
The Veterans' Benefit Christmas Light Show collection includes over 200,000 individual pixels that are programmed to syncrhonize to all your holiday favorite tunes.
Our tallest mega tree boasts 35 feet in height and almost 10,000 lights. Our second-tallest tree is formidable as well, at 29 feet and 7200 individual lights.
We have a 6 foot tall fiberglass Santa who stands near our Christmas-themed bench designed for you to take photos with the big man--free of charge!
We also have a designated mailbox where youngsters can drop off their letter to Santa for delivery to the North Pole for a nominal suggested donation. For donations greater than $25, Santa will send your child a personalized signed letter all the way back from the North Pole.
Donations of any size are greatly appreciated and are tax deductible, as we are a registered 501(3)(c) charitable organization.
Michael Collins, Director
Michael Collins is the Director and Founder of Veteran's Benefit Christmas Light Show of Avimor. Michael is a Retired Disabled US Armed Forces Veteran, having served 26 years in the US Army, Reserves and National Guard.
Michael served in various stations including Germany and across the United States. His services included psychological operations, bioengineering, air traffic control, and as an assistant to the Army Chaplain.
A Christian and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Michael has always loved the spirit of Christmas and was raised in a home where giving and charity were a part of everyday life.
A homeowner in Avimor since Christmas 2019, Michael has finally found a place to live out his lifelong retirement dream of giving back to the Veterans while bringing joy to the children of the Valley. Besides making Christmas lighting, Michael enjoys watching movies, especially National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and getting some exercise.
Elisa Collins, Secretary
Michael's wife, Elisa is the organization's secretary. Elisa and Michael are side-by-side in all their ventures. Over her years as an entrepreneur, Elisa has developed the tech and marketing skills to assist Michael in raising awareness of the needs of Treasure Valley Veterans and spreading the word about the Light Show to reach all corners of the Treasure Valley and Beyond.
Elisa is also active in their Christian faith, and the two love to share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and enjoy offering service to those around them.
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