Columbia Gears Up for the Holidays with a Festive Extravaganza
With sunny skies and a comfortable high of 52°F this weekend, residents of Columbia have the perfect weather to celebrate the season. Winds are calm, creating a wonderful opportunity to step outside and enjoy all the local festivities before Christmas.
Bringing Holiday Cheer
This weekend marks the much-anticipated 19th Annual Taylor Boys Christmas Extravaganza, an event that has become a beloved tradition for many in our community. Each year, this concert brings together music lovers and spirited individuals to support a fantastic cause—Toby’s Place, a program that assists single women and mothers facing homelessness or poverty. Since partnering with Toby’s Place, the Taylor Boys have raised over $38,000 to help support those in need.
A Heartfelt Mission
“We rely heavily on the generosity of our community to provide support for the women and children at Toby’s Place,” says Nicholas Charalambous, Donor Relations Officer for Oliver Gospel Mission. He continued with a smile, “The Taylor Boys Christmas Xtravaganza is a key source of that support.” The funds raised through ticket sales and sponsorships go directly towards providing essential services, including comfortable private rooms, counseling, life skills training, meals, and even job skills training.
In 2023 alone, Toby’s Place supported more than 80 women and over 100 children, providing them with shelter and meal programs. In total, they offered nearly 13,000 program nights of shelter to those in need!
Community Spirit Shines Through
Steve Taylor, one of the driving forces behind the Taylor Boys, shared his excitement as he expresses, “Having lived in Columbia nearly all of my life, this community means a lot to me and my entire family.” He nicely summed up what this event is all about, stating, “In the early 2000s we decided to try doing it in a way that let us give back to the community that has given so much to us.” It’s a night they eagerly anticipate all year long!
Star-Studded Line-Up
This year’s concert will feature the talented Taylor family, including Grammy-nominated Joe Taylor, local real estate mogul and singer Steve Taylor, and his son Stephen Taylor. But they won’t be alone! Attendees can also enjoy performances from local favorites like Drew Dixon, Eddie Speaker, Deb Varn, and Moonpie.
Get Involved
If you want to be a part of this wonderful event, tickets are available through Ticketmaster or at The Senate box office. And if you’re feeling extra generous, why not consider becoming a sponsor? Packages range from $2,500 Platinum—which includes two VIP tables and 20 tickets—to a $250 VIP Ticket Package that includes one VIP table and two tickets. It’s a great way to have a fun night out while supporting a worthy cause!
More information about the incredible work done by Oliver Gospel Mission and Toby’s Place can be found on their website if you’re interested in making a direct donation, too. Every little bit helps to provide much-needed support to those who need it the most during this festive season.
Celebrate the Season
So wrap up warm, gather your friends and family, and get ready to make some incredible memories this weekend! Let’s come together as a community to support our neighbors and bask in the joy of the holiday spirit.
Wishing everyone a merry and safe holiday season!
