Monday, Nov. 23, marked the 23rd annual lighting of the Ingles Giving Tree at the Asheville Mall. A team of volunteers and staff from MANNA FoodBank constructed the 10-ton installation from nonperishable food items donated by Ingles Markets.
Laura Ingle, daughter of Ingles Markets founder Bob Ingle and the namesake for the supermarket chain’s Laura Lynn brand, performed the official lighting of the tree. Entertainment for the event was provided by the Bell Elementary School Chorus and the Asheville Choral Society.
Each year, the lighting of the Ingles Giving Tree helps kick off the holiday season at Asheville Mall in an effort to bring attention to MANNA FoodBank’s hunger-relief work in the local community.
The Bell Elementary Chorus sings for the crowd. Photo by Pat Barcas.
Music Specialist Jennifer Anderson leads the Bell Elementary chorus. Photo by Pat Barcas.
The Asheville Choral Society brought their voices to the event. Photo by Pat Barcas.
The Asheville Choral Society brought their voices to the event. Photo by Pat Barcas.
The Asheville Choral Society brought their voices to the event. Photo by Pat Barcas.
The Asheville Choral Society brought their voices to the event. Photo by Pat Barcas.
The Asheville Choral Society brought their voices to the event. Photo by Pat Barcas.
Dr. Melodie Galloway, artistic director of the Asheville Choral Society, directs the singers. Photo by Pat Barcas.
Laura Ingle flips the switch and lights the Giving Tree. Photo by Pat Barcas.
Laura Ingle flips the switch and lights the Giving Tree. Photo by Pat Barcas.
The Asheville Choral Society brought their voices to the event. Photo by Pat Barcas.
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