Christmas Party hosted by Discount Pawn, Cedar Fun Center owner to benefit local families in need

CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Derrik Staheli, local entrepreneur and owner of Discount Pawn and the Cedar Fun Center, is hosting the massive, potluck-style “Freedom Christmas Party” for the second year in a row. 

Community members gather at the inaugural Freedom Christmas Party, Enterprise, Utah, Dec. 12, 2020 | Photo courtesy of Derrik Staheli, St. George News

Designed to bring holiday cheer to not only everyone who attends but also Southern Utah families in need of a financial boost, the event will feature a raffle with over $4,500 in prizes and tons of great food. 

“We have two main reasons for getting together: to help those less fortunate and to bring everyone together and forget differences,” Staheli said.  

All proceeds from the party will be given to deserving recipients like the Burch family from Enterprise. Their son Colton was diagnosed with a rare and highly aggressive form of lymphoma last year at the age of 18. 

Staheli said to reach out if you know someone who needs an extra dose of Christmas cheer, adding that he hopes to help as many people as possible.

The idea for the event arose last year when Staheli’s two young sons wanted to see Santa Claus and tell him their Christmas wishes. But in 2020, amid closures and mandates, there were no Santas to be found. Knowing that his family wasn’t the only one missing out on beloved holiday traditions and special moments, he decided to organize the biggest Christmas party his little town of Enterprise had ever seen. 

“I would’ve been happy if 50 people showed up, but there were more than 250 people!” Staheli said. “We had people from Enterprise, Veyo, Central, Pine Valley, St. George, Hurricane and even Mesquite. Everyone had a great time, and we were able to provide a good Christmas to four less fortunate families.” 

The second annual Freedom Christmas Party will once again be held in Enterprise at the Community Center from 5-7 p.m. on Dec. 18. Volunteers will begin setting up at 4 p.m. and stay until 8 p.m. to clean up. 

RSVP via Facebook if you’re planning to attend. Participants are asked to bring the food item that corresponds to the first letter of their last name: 

  • A-G: Meat (ham, chicken, turkey, roast beef, etc.) or chili. 
  • H-N: Rolls or cornbread and one of the following paper/plastic wares: plates, utensils, cups or napkins.
  • O-S: Drinks and salad.
  • T-Z: Dessert.

If you’re unable to bring the item assigned to your last name, feel free to bring something else or contact Staheli at [email protected] with any questions.

Community members gather at the inaugural Freedom Christmas Party, Enterprise, Utah, Dec. 12, 2020 | Photo courtesy of Derrik Staheli, St. George News

Raffle tickets can be purchased until the day of the party in person at Discount Pawn, located at 175 W. 900 South, Suite 11, in St. George, via Venmo @Derrik-Staheli or with a credit card via a secure SMS link sent to your phone; email [email protected] with your phone number. 

Each raffle ticket costs $2, and there’s no limit to how many each person may purchase. Participants can win more than once, so the more tickets you buy, the better your odds at winning more prizes. 

At the conclusion of last year’s party, Staheli collected about $800 in donations to benefit four families. This time around, dozens of local businesses have already donated over $4,500 worth of raffle items along with $2,400 in cash. View a full list of raffle items and donors on the Facebook event.

The Freedom Christmas Party is for anyone and everyone, Staheli said, regardless of religious and political beliefs or opinions on masks and other issues. 

“Our goal is to put all of those differences aside and just enjoy humanity.”

Event details

  • What: Freedom Christmas Party
  • When: Saturday, Dec. 18 from 5-7 p.m. 
  • Where: Enterprise Community Center, 350 S. 625 East, Enterprise. 
  • Admission: Free; raffle tickets $2. 
  • Resources: Facebook.

Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2021, all rights reserved.

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