By Annabeth Miller, SMT Editor
Santa Claus checks his list every December to be certain boys and girls have not been naughty – but instead nice this past year. And Santa (so the experts tell us) wants good things for all good children.
This weekend there is a chance for children to be good and to help other children – and have their photo taken with the jolly elf himself.
The Third Annual Claus For A Cause event will be held this Sunday, Nov. 20, with an opportunity for children to write Santa a letter, to participate in craft fun, enjoy some yummy treats and have their photo taken with Santa himself.
The event will be held from 3 until 5 p.m. Sunday at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Bloomfield.
Claus For a Cause is organized by photographer Julie Dodd, and all proceeds from the event will go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and to 18 Fore Life. Dodd says the inspiration for this annual event is from real life.
One photo that highlights the reason for this event and is special to Dodd is of Santa with two of his biggest fans – Anna Ellinghouse and Maggie Stubenrauch. Both girls are “almost 6” and both have Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes.
“The night before our very first Claus For A Cause, Anna was diagnosed with Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes,” Dodd said. In two years of the event, more than $3,500 have been raised for “the cause.”
At the event, photos with Santa will be taken and photo packages for sale. Dodd said all proceeds from the sale of the photo packages donated to the two charities. Photo packages range from $10 - $20 and no appointment is necessary.
“Everyone will enter into the gymnasium, sign in, receive a number, and head to the fun tables, where there will be lots of fun stuff for all ages to do,” Dodd said. Youngsters can choose what they want to participate in and enjoy “the magic of the season.”
Dodd said that in addition, local musician Buddy Heaton will be on hand and will playing great Christmas music on the piano.
During the event, numbers given upon arrival will be called for photos, eliminating lines and wait time.
“When it is your turn, you will enter into the room where Santa will be waiting,” she said.
A great afternoon, a great guy from the North Pole, and a great cause!
Photo Above: Anna Ellinghouse and Maggie Stubenrauch and ... well, does he really need an introduction!
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