For the past three years, YMCA at the Athenaeum has hosted a unique and heartfelt event dedicated to spreading the joy of Christmas to less fortunate families. Typically, the Breakfast with Santa event provides a hot meal and two gifts per child for families who attend the event at the YMCA center. This year, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, YMCA at the Athenaeum was fearful of not serving their community during a tremendous time of need.
After some creative brainstorming from their planning committee, immense support from their community, and unwavering dedication from their corporate sponsors, Breakfast with Santa: Project Reindeer, was born. As the new initiative began to take form its core value remained the same: spreading the joy of the season and providing for less fortunate families. The new name is simply indicative of a now mobilized event.
With all the help and support to make this event possible, Breakfast with Santa: Project Reindeer surpassed the goal of providing two gifts per child and serving four communities. This year each child received three gifts, their parents received a book, a stocking full of goodies, a blanket to stay warm, and a gift card to share a holiday meal at any restaurant. Additionally, the event catered to five total communities.
As part of Rehab Medical’s improve lives mission, the company continued its partnership with this prodigious cause to aid in spreading the joys of the holiday season.
“This event is important to Rehab Medical as we feel everyone should experience some joy during the holidays. The YMCA does a tremendous job with this event every year and they outdid themselves with their unique approach to continue to make a big difference in the community.” – Kevin Gearheart, President
This event received a lot of praise from the community where many shelters felt they would not receive anything this year.
“We didn’t think you [YMCA] would be able to do anything this year.” – shelter coordinator.
To stay up to date with events hosted by YMCA at the Athenaeum and for more information about Breakfast with Santa: Project Reindeer, visit their Facebook page.
