MONDAY. NOVEMBER 26. 2018
Will and Hart for Christmas

A few months ago, we kicked off a campaign to get Kevin Hart and Will Smith to come run in the One City Marathon. The question is “Will they have the Hart to do it?” Hart has completed two marathons and Smith recently completed his first half-marathon . In the spirit of the holidays, we are kicking off the Will and Hart Christmas Letter Campaign . We are asking everyone to write a Dear Santa-style letter to both Will Smith and Kevin Hart asking them to come be a part of the One City Marathon next year. The city will mail the letters to the managers of both actors. Everyone who writes a letter will be entered into a drawing to win a few prizes during the holidays so be sure to write your full name at the end. The letters can be emailed to the address or dropped off at one of the locations listed below.

How it works:
  • Starting Tuesday, November 27, write a letter to Kevin Hart and/or Will Smith using the official campaign letterhead available on the One City Marathon website or at one of the drop off locations.
  • Drop off the letter to one of the locations or email it to: [email protected] by Wednesday, December 19.
  • Take a picture or a video of you writing or dropping off your letter and post it to Instagram or Facebook. Tag the photo using one of the hashtags: #KevforChristmas or #WillforChristmas. The posts on social media will be entered into another drawing for a special prize every week until the campaign ends.

For more information visit the One City Marathon website or one of the following drop off locations:
  • City Hall
  • Holiday Inn - Newport News City Center lobby
  • Fountain II Plaza in City Center lobby
  • Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center
  • Denbigh Community Center
  • Grissom Library
  • The Newport News Visitors’ Center in City Center.
The BayPort Credit Union 25 Nights Of Northern Lights Begins This Saturday!
For 14 great years the city has hosted Hollydazzle but this year we are excited to change things up with the BayPort Credit Union 25 Nights of Northern Lights! Beginning this Saturday, December 1, in lieu of fireworks and one night of programming, everyone can come out to City Center at Oyster Point to enjoy a spectacular light show happening five times a night for 25 nights straight and THREE Saturdays full of special programming on December 1, 8 and 15.

The Holiday Magic Light Show, happens at the top of each hour from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. This show includes the Larry King Law Holiday Show Tree, a 42’ intelligent, color/pattern changing tree unlike anything seen before in the Hampton Roads area, along with a synchronized show where lights dance around the fountain to a festive soundtrack. City Center restaurant patios will become “Jingle and Mingle” lounges with food and beverage specials, and windows throughout the venue will be filled with special holiday displays.
 
In addition to nightly light shows, on the three themed North Pole Nights, December 1, 8 and 15 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., enjoy entertainment, free activities and food vendors. Each of the North Pole Nights feature Santa’s Workshop, sponsored by City Center at Oyster Point, where children can meet Mr. & Mrs. Claus and see elves at work. North Pole Nights also offer guests the opportunity to take a short trolley ride to the new Holiday Inn for photo ops in the lobby with a beautifully decorated sleigh and special gifts for kids and adults.
 
With the theme Journey to the North Pole, Saturday, December 1 includes an official BayPort Credit Union 25 Nights of Northern Lights kick-off with city dignitaries. Saturday, December 8, is themed Holiday Candy Land and Saturday, December 15 is themed Snow Pets. Various activities will take place that correspond to each week’s theme along with entertainment on three stages, strolling performers and holiday characters, children’s make-and-take holiday crafts, carnival games, and food vendors.
 
Admission each night is free and free parking is available in the three City Center parking garages. For more information, visit the Newport News  Special Events Facebook page or call 926-1400. Complete festival information will be available at www.nnva.gov/parks . 
Support Nonprofits on #GivingTuesday
The leftover turkey is finally gone from the fridge and you’ve snapped up deals on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. Make way for #GivingTuesday! A global movement held the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, #GivingTuesday is a day when people are asked to support those in need in communities across the world.

In 2017, people in more than 150 countries raised over $300 million. With over 21.7 billion Twitter impressions, #GivingTuesday 2017 made a significant impact on nonprofits. Together we can make an even greater difference in 2018.

Many nonprofits are participating in this year’s philanthropic event, so check their websites and social media pages for details on how you can support their efforts. To learn more about #GivingTuesday or search their list of participating nonprofits, visit www.givingtuesday.org .

This isn’t just a movement around wallets though. You are encouraged to also give of your time by volunteering, give of your resources by donating food or supplies, or give the power of your voice by advocating for causes that are meaningful to you. We can make our community stronger by getting involved!