03/27/2026
To Rocket Around the Christmas Tree Trail friends❤️🙏
Sandy and I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each Christmas tree sponsor for your incredible support of the Rocket Around the Christmas Tree Trail and the Dick Lee Memorial Endowed Scholarship.
What began as a simple idea to honor a dear friend has become a uniquely Gardendale tradition—bringing people together, creating lasting memories, and supporting deserving students. We are so grateful for the impact you’ve made.
We’re pleased to share that the scholarship at the University of Alabama will be awarded each spring to a Gardendale High School student attending UA. With continued support, it will grow and provide opportunities for even more students in the years ahead.
The success of the Trail is the result of the effort of many dedicated supporters. While we can’t name everyone, we’d like to mention Mayor Hogeland, Dale Hyche and his Park and Recreation crew, the Journey Life Group at Gardendale First Baptist Church and our friends Bill and Rita Patton and John and Kay Taylor for their steadfast support and encouragement. We could not have a Trail without them.
Looking ahead, the administration of the Trail will transition to the Rotary Club of North Jefferson, which will maintain the event and its support of the scholarship. We are confident in their leadership and excited for what’s to come—watch for this year’s Trail dates soon!
Thank you again for being such an important part of the tradition that you helped build.
God’s best to you all…
Walt and Sandy Thomas
