Light Up Orinda is a community beautification initiative of the Orinda Community Foundation, spearheaded by two long-term Orinda residents with a vision to wrap trees in downtown Orinda with white LED lights during the winter season (Nov through Jan).
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This year's tree lighting, held on
Thursday, November 6 at 5:30 pm at the Orinda Library Plaza, was a big success!
See more details below.​
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All those who attended the event were eligible to enter a raffle for a chance to win 14k gold and diamond earrings (value $535) from Morrison's Jewelers along with other items, kindly donated by local businesses. We offered wine and cheese, with wine generously donated by Davidson Vineyards, Walburg Family Vineyard, and BevMo. Guests were also able to enjoy hot chocolate donated by Caffé Teatro and hot popcorn donated by Orinda Theater, along with a variety of delicious options from local food trucks. Adding to the holiday spirit, performances by talented Lamorinda Idol singers made the evening truly special. Thank you for joining us at a festive evening filled with community spirit and holiday cheer!
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And thank you to our generous supporters who made the inaugural year of Light Up Orinda a success. This year, we were excited to almost triple the number of trees in downtown Orinda wrapped in holiday lights. In 2024, we lit 40 trees, exceeding our goal of 32, and met our fundraising needs by raising almost $45,000. Our fundraising was sufficient to pay all of our bills last year and all the relighting and maintenance of the existing trees for the 2025 winter season. With the additional financial support of The Orinda Community Foundation, we added 71 trees, bringing the total to 111 lit trees throughout North and South Orinda. Both downtowns have been festively lit for the winter season (November through January).
Our 2025 expansion scope includes:
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North Orinda (67 total trees - 49 new trees )
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9 trees in front of Safeway on Camino Sobrante
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13 trees from Orinda Motors to Garden Nest along Orinda Way
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27 trees along both sides of Orinda Way, from edge of library parking to middle of the park
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18 trees from 2024 (in red on attached photos)
South Orinda (44 total trees - 22 new trees)
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8 trees on Moraga Way in front of the Orinda Theater
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7 trees on Moraga Way on Tru Hardware side
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1 tree on Moraga Way near Morrison’s Jewelry
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2 trees along Moraga Way at Coldwell Banker offices
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2 trees along Bryant Way at Casa Orinda
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2 trees along Bryant Way at MASH gasoline
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22 trees from 2024 (in red on attached photos)
North Orinda:
South Orinda:
Sponsorship
We need your support!
Fundraising Goal
To add these additional trees, including one time costs for electrical access points, we need to raise $40,000. In the future, all ongoing set up and maintenance for the 111 trees will run around $30,000 on an annual basis.
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Sponsorship Opportunities
While we greatly appreciate financial contributions of any amount, we are also looking for key sponsors.​
Presenting - $2,500
Tree - $1,000
Community - $500
Supporter - $250
Neighbor - $100
Friend - $50
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Donating is Easy!
Donations can be made through the Orinda Community Foundation:​
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​Please be sure and specify: "Donation should be designated to the Light Up Orinda Initiative."
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​Donations can also be made through Donor Advised Funds to Orinda Community Foundation, Tax ID 27-2134212, a 501(c)3 approved non profit.
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Orinda Community Foundation’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in Orinda by fostering community spirit and citizen engagement, building partnerships and providing financial assistance to support community activities, beautification, and the arts. Light Up Orinda is an integral part of this mission.
Thank you for your support!​
Contact
For more information, please email us at lightuporinda@gmail.com.
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Carol Brovelli, Co-Leader
Kim Wirtz Straub, Co-Leader