Brooklyn Heights
About 17 years ago attorney Joe Mure was setting up Christmas lights on his house when an urgent call came in and he was dragged away, missing his daughter’s first Christmas. He vowed never, ever to be away from home on Christmas again, and he’s kept his promise ever since. Each year, Joe sets up a knock-your-socks-off Noel extravaganza at his home at 14403 Neponsit Avenue — yeah its in the Rockaways — but Joe is a Canarsie boy born and raised. The spectacular display has lights, lights and more lights, along with life-sized animatronic elves and, naturally, Mr. and Mrs. Clause. In fact, Joe’s house is so bright that Rudolph himself uses it to navigate Santa’s flight path! Joe decided to sweeten the pot — for a good cause, of course, — by using the yuletide display to fundraise for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, of which Joe is a boardmember. And so, a holiday tradition was born. This past year, on Dec. 3, Joe threw a whopping extravaganza that attracted 4,000-5,000 guests eager to nosh on all types of food, enjoy live entertainment and share in the good cheer — and Joe, like the good guy he is, foots the bill. This year, Joe expects the event to net about $175,000 jingle moolah, which donates to the foundation (yes, all of it). “This is worth the work, it puts a smile on every child’s face and it gives back to the community that gives so much,” said Santa Joe.
The alms box resides outside his house until the New Year, but you can mail a check to him any old time. Standing O gives Joe Mure a giant ho, ho, ho for his generosity and Santa spirit.
Joe Mure, Esq. [26 Court St. between Montague and Remsen streets in Brooklyn Heights, (718) 938-1666].
