Across the Lehigh Valley, the generous abound. Here's a wrapup of holiday events that are sure to make 2015 a bit brighter for the needy in our area.

On Dec. 20, it was the joyous sounds of vroom, vroom that led Santa and his sleigh to a room of 65 eager children as a spirited line of motorcycles led the procession.

Volunteers were members of the Lehigh Valley Star Touring Motorcycle Club, and their impressive motor bikes served as make-shift reindeer. The joyous event was the 31st annual "Gift-Opening Day" at the Children's Home of Easton, and generous folks like Steve and Denise Stelzman of Allentown, and family were once again catering the event for 300-plus guests.

"We've been providing a buffet for this event for about nine years, and each year, we try to take it up a notch," said Steve, who is principal of The Mortgage Company, Allentown.

From crisp salads, to mini quiches, mozzarella on crisp foccacia to chicken and beef sandwiches, entrees and desserts galore, the Stelzmans proved you don't have to be a professional caterer, just talented and generous, to provide a delectable buffet.

"Sometimes, this is the only Christmas some of these children, aged 3 to 17, have ever known," said Anita Paukovits, Executive Vice President, who has held positions with the Children's Home in a variety of roles and jobs through the years.

Members of Sing for America provided the entertainment. Taryn, Teara and Jewel Gilbert, a trio of Gilbert family members who are part of Sing for America, took time from their busy holiday performance schedule to sing favorite Christmas carols for the children.

Sing for America performed "A Little Princess: The Musical" at The Scottish Rite Cathedral during the holiday season. Stay tuned for more great performances by the Sing for America troupe. They are a talented group of local performers to watch.

In all, $94,000 was raised with the help of Bobby Gunther Walsh and other volunteers, said Paukovits. Also on hand for the gift-giving day was Gregg Dowty, Executive Director; Dan McMahon, Director of Development, plus a bounty of longtime volunteers including members of Graceway Church, including Pastor Jim Lowe, and Steve and Josh Agentis.

Luminaria Night: Joanne Anderson, Donna Acerra and DeAnn Artim, all of Bethlehem, founded "Luminaria Night" in Bethlehem 17 years ago to raise funds for the homeless. Back in 1999, "Luminaira Night" was a bright, but small event held in just a few neighborhoods in north Bethlehem.

However, the practice has grown tenfold and has become a holiday tradition stretching across the Lehigh Valley. This year, organizers worked with hundreds of youth volunteers and 400 block captains to brighten streets to raise funds for New Bethany Ministries.

Hundreds of residences, in addition to schools, businesses, churches and other institutions, now participate in "Luminaria Night," which has become a tradition the first Saturday night in December every year.

Last year, $84,000 was raised for New Bethany Ministries, and over the years, Anderson says, the festive night where neighbors light sand-filled paper bags, has raised $500,000.

"The effort is 100 percent volunteer and the only expenses incurred is the cost of the sand, bags and candles," said Anderson.

For more information on how to get involved next year, email: luminarianight@gmail.com

To submit press releases for consideration in the Good Cause column and request coverage of fundraisers and galas, email Paul Willistein, Focus features editor: pwillistein@tnonline.com