“Making Spirits Bright” was as good as its name for an estimated 1,100 people December 4 and 5, 2020.
Fresno Pacific University’s first drive-through Christmas experience drew more than 320 cars, vans, SUVs and even a fire truck to the main campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno, between 6:00-8:00 p.m. the two evenings. Visitors drove a route through the campus and neighborhood, enjoying light displays, music, the site of the coming Culture and Arts Center and a wave at alumni, staff, Sunny the Sunbird, FPU cheerleaders and President Joseph Jones and First Lady Yvette Jones. Until supplies ran out the second night, participants also came away with swag including kids’ games and Bundt cakes. In return, many made donations of canned food items for the Sunbird Food Pantry. Several local TV stations also covered the event.
A good time was had by all, according to Don Griffith, vice president of advancement and executive director of the FPU Foundation, whose department organized the event. “It was so good to see all those smiles. We were hoping for maybe 500 people per night, so this was a success,” he said. “Fresno Pacific is a part of this community, and we just wanted to reach out in love and fellowship to show there is joy this season, even with all we have gone through together in 2020.”
Photo courtesy of KMPH FOX 26 News, Fresno. More from the station at kmph.com/news/local/fresno-pacific-university-making-spirits-bright-christmas-drive-through