Anderson Lights of Hope started out over three decades ago as a drive through Christmas light show as a fundraiser for Easter Seals of South Carolina. The purpose of the light show was to help spread Christmas cheer through the upstate while giving back to Easter Seals. In 2003, Easter Seals announced the closure of the Anderson office. With this the Christmas lights were going to be sold.  Co-Founders Dennis Lavold and Ben Phillips agreed together not to let Lights of Hope end in Anderson. 

In all the years Dennis and Ben have run this organization, neither has taken a paycheck or cut from the profits. They use their volunteered personal time, and funding from their personal pockets when sponsorship funding is not available.

As Anderson Lights of Hope grew as a non-profit organization, so did our programs, and events. Anderson Lights of Hope now hosts a number of events, including the Anderson Christmas Lights, the Upstate Regional Drill Championships, and more all to help raise awareness for local charities in Anderson County. Our goal is to help better the community, one step at a time.