American Heritage Credit Union (American Heritage) kicked off its 17th Annual Grand Illumination on Saturday, November 30^th. Over 20,000 community members enjoyed the illumination of American Heritage’s main campus along with free holiday performances, a firework display, and a grand prize drawing for a vacation worth up to $10,000 awarded to an American Heritage member.

The evening got off to an exciting start with a fun and interactive performance by members of the Uptown String Band, which was followed by a march and performance courtesy of the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. American Heritage was proud to welcome the Delaware Tribe of Indians to the event. The Delaware Tribe put forth a moving demonstration, and received a gift of $10,000 from American Heritage. The night was capped off with two of Grand Illumination’s staples: a beautiful concert by the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale, and an exciting fireworks display.

American Heritage’s 2024 Grand Journey Sweepstakes’ grand prize winner was selected from the seven finalists and awarded a vacation up to $10,000 courtesy of Credit Union Travel. The runners-up were each awarded a free, 12-month premium membership to CU Travel and a hotel voucher worth $250.

The spirit of the holidays was prevalent throughout the entire event, with attendees contributing to a total donation of approximately 2,000 lbs. of nonperishable food as a part of the 11^th Annual Spirit of Giving Food Drive. The Kids-N-Hope Foundation also presented Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) with a check for $600,000 to continue supporting its Music Therapy Program through the upcoming year.

“We eagerly anticipate welcoming thousands to our campus each holiday season for our Grand Illumination event,” stated Bruce K. Foulke, President & CEO of American Heritage Credit Union and Chairman of the Kids-N-Hope Foundation. “It’s our hope that those in attendance felt the same holiday spirit that our associates do in putting the event together each year. We were also honored to present a gift of $600,000 to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to continue support of their music therapy program, as well as a gift of $10,000 to the Delaware Tribe of Indians.”

Each year, the American Heritage campus buildings and trees are illuminated, and multiple light displays are featured throughout the campus grounds. The entire community is welcomed back to visit the American Heritage campus through New Year’s Day to stroll the campus for free, enjoy the decorations, and take family photos. Entrances to the campus are on Red Lion Road or Jamison Road and free parking is available on site. Lights will shine daily beginning at dusk each night. 

For more information about Grand Illumination, visit AmericanHeritageCU.org/Lights.