Islander Raises $21K for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

It takes Marco Island’s Ron Spering from Halloween till Thanksgiving to get his elaborate Christmas display assembled each year. He says it’s quicker to put away. But as of today he’s still working to disassemble of his incredible display at Whiteheart Avenue, across from the Marco Island Historical Museum. 

Spering is on a mission. He’s raising money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through donations made by people who visit his Christmas display. This year’s total is $21,718.

“The people have been just awesome,” said Ron Spering, taking a break from disassembly. “I can’t wait to do it again next year."

Spering said he is about a third of the way through his efforts to put everything away. His next step is to bring in the rental equipment.

“I need the cherry picker so I can start at the top and work my way down,” Spering said. “I’ll get it on a Friday and bring it back on Monday. It takes about two or three weeks to take down.”