Christmas Celebration

Brighten the holidays for our community’s at-risk children during this annual tradition!

For more than a century, Dr. Piper Center has hosted its annual Christmas Celebration.

Dr. Ella Piper’s mother, Sarah Williams, started this event in 1915.  Since then, this beloved Christmas Celebration became a much-anticipated tradition in the Dunbar community and has unified community members in the spirit of giving and helping those in need.  

When Sarah died in 1926, Dr. Piper continued the tradition her mother started with the help of local churches, businesses, and many community friends who provided contributions and gifts for the community’s less fortunate kids. 

The annual Christmas Celebration has grown from an original gathering of 15 girls in 1915 to nearly 600 boys and girls who now romp over the lawn at the Dr. Piper Center every Christmas morning.