Armstrong Leo Club Hosts Inaugural “Brunch with Santa”

 

by Jonathan Weaver

Nearly 200 local people had the chance to meet Santa Claus the weekend after Thanksgiving in Manor Township.

From 9-11AM December 3, the Armstrong Junior/Senior High Leo Club hosted their first “Brunch with Santa” in the school cafeteria.

Co-Advisor Erin Burkett said for $8, many families of all sizes reserved their spot to see Santa after eating breakfast.

“We charged per family, not for individuals – it didn’t matter if you had a family of two or a family of eight. Since it was the first year, we wanted to give a nice event to the community and we wanted to make sure nobody was unable to attend due to cost, Burkett said.

“There were 200 individuals that RSVP’d and we had that day about 188 that came. That was anyone from a baby that was six months old to grandparents.”

Guests could come at any time during the event and eat a variety of breakfast items – including cereal, fruit, doughnuts and other sweet treats - before children sat on Santa’s knee.

“Breakfast items were either donated by our Leo Club members or purchased with our funds,” Burkett said.

Family members were able to take photos with Santa free of charge.

“(Parents) could take as many or as few as (they wanted) – that way you get a good picture that you like. We had a lot of families come together, so they could get a picture with all the cousins or get it with the grandparents, Burkett said.

“(The two-hour event) was very laid-back, at your own pace. We were brainstorming with the officers what we could do to help the community – that’s what Leo Club is all about -, and it was a nice way to let (the community) have an experience with Santa that did not break the bank.”

Some local teachers – like Burkett and fellow advisor Lauren Craig – also brought their own children (Burkett with son, Welles, and Craig with sons, Rocco and Vinny, respectively).

“They had a blast,” Burkett said. “Welles is not afraid of Santa. He was happy to climb up on his lap and tell him what he wanted.”

Welles told Santa that he wants Nerf guns and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles under the Christmas tree in a few days.

“(Santa) was a blond-haired, blue-eyed girl, but she pulled off Santa very well,” Burkett said. “She does a wonderful job with the children. She learned it’s not always easy work.”

Leo Club also hosted a brunch with the Easter Bunny earlier this year, as well as the annual Heritage Dinner.

To their knowledge, Kittanning Senior High or Ford City Junior/Senior High has not hosted a ‘Brunch with Santa’ at the former schools before they were closed.

Crafts were also available for children and families.

Club advisors look to continue all three community events.

“(Brunch with Santa) was very well-received. The kids love it, the community loved it, so (these) are yearly things on our agenda.”

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