With the weather and air traffic being so sketchy, NorthPark’s Santa has decided to stay put at the North Pole. After all, that trek from the North Pole to NorthPark is quite a daily commute.
But after 33 years of generations of children wanting to share their wishes with the legendary Saint Nicholas, he just couldn’t let the munchkins down. So, thanks to NorthPark Center and the Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center Dallas, the A Season of Giving program has returned virtually to benefit Children’s Health.
As NorthPark owner Nancy A. Nasher put it, “NorthPark is honored to support the great mission of Children’s Health while also offering meaningful visits with our much-loved Santa. The partnership is especially impactful to the work done by Children’s Health in our community.”
The 2021 Season of Giving Co-Chairs Chelsea Hunt, Brittany Hunt and Lisa Macaraeg have arranged for children to have virtual chats with Santa from Friday, November 26, through Thursday, December 23. Bookings can be made at northparkcenter.com. If you don’t discover a time to your liking, check back when “time slots will be released online in weekly increments on Sundays (December 5, 12 and 19) at noon.
According to expert elves, “Non-peak time slots run Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a donation of $25. Peak time slots run Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m., with a donation of $50. Beginning Monday, December 20, all time slots are peak with a $50 donation.”
And, no, the donations are not going to the SERF (Senior Elf Retirement Fund). All proceeds will benefit Children’s Health “to advance medical research for pediatric illnesses, enhance patient care and improve health and wellness for children in our community.” Last year’s Season of Giving provided $130,000 for Children’s Health.
According to Children’s Medical Center Foundation President, Brent “Bowtie Elf” Christopher, “Community support is more important than ever as our world-class team at Children’s Health continues to carry out our mission to make life better for children. We remain grateful to Nancy Nasher and NorthPark Center for their unwavering commitment to the community and generosity to Children’s Health. Thank you for bringing another spectacular season of giving and magic to our patients, and to all the children and families across our community.”
In addition to the visits with Santa, children throughout the world will be able to virtually hear him present his famous tales from the North Pole via NorthPark’s Facebook Page every Friday starting Friday, December 3, at 10:30 a.m.
Season Co-Chairs Chelsea, Brittany and Lisa added, ““We are honored to partner with NorthPark Center to bring the magic of the holiday season to the community and especially to those patients and families at Children’s Health during the holidays. There is nothing like seeing the excitement on a child’s face when they see Santa, and knowing they are having a memory-making experience for such a worthy cause makes it even more special. We are grateful to NorthPark, The Stephen M. and Carol A. Cassiani Family Foundation, Labora, Paulos Foundation and all of the donors and participants who make this campaign possible.”
BTW, thanks to the virtual world, “Santa will make special virtual visits to children receiving in-patient care at Children’s Health during the holiday season.”
Needless to say, the old boy has a busy schedule this year. Remember to put out some cookies and milk on Christmas Eve. He’ll really appreciate them.