FAIRFIELD, CT – Spreading holiday cheer is a community affair as the beloved “A Visit to Santa’s House” returns to Fairfield for its 29th year.
The holidays will be in full swing at the historic Burr Homestead, 739 Old Post Road, as the Junior Women’s Club of Fairfield transforms the historic home into a winter wonderland for this annual fundraiser, scheduled for Saturday, December 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, December 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“A Visit to Santa’s House”has consistently raised thousands of dollars for charity. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the club’s charitable partner, the “JWC Girls Zone” at the Cardinal Shehan Center in Bridgeport, CT.
“A Visit to Santa’s House” — a cherished town tradition attended by generations of families—is made possible through the contributions of local individuals, businesses, and corporations -- most notably, Presenting Sponsor Newman’s Own. Sponsors for this year’s event also include: Black Iron Group, Carmody Torrance Sandak Hennessey, Chloe’s Closet, Dapper n Diva Dogs, Fairfield Ludlowe Cheerleading Team, Fairfield Magazine, Flash Pointe Dance Station, Giant Steps Toy Store, Hobbytown USA, Hulafrog, Nannies as Needed, News12, Dr. Salvatore Pizzino, DDS and Associates, R.C. Bigelow, Inc., Saugatuck Sweets, SuzySaid and WEBE 108.
This year, the JWC will be assisted by volunteers from institutions and organizations around the Fairfield community, including Wakeman Boys and Girls Club’s Keystone and Torch Clubs, numerous scout troops as well as students from several local religious education classes.
Although A Visit to Santa’s House is synonymous with holiday tradition, the event adds a few surprises each year…including a room devoted to the wildly popular movie, “Frozen” and the new Polar Express theme in the Model Train Room! The annual Candy Guess has a new sponsor – Saugatuck Sweets – with an exciting new prize: a two scoop sundae every week for a year!! The Junior Women’s Club will also decorate a Community Tree, featuring customized ornaments dedicated to the wonderful businesses, volunteer groups, and generous families who support A Visit to Santa’s House.
Young, bright-eyed guests can also enjoy all the activities that keep them coming back year after year. Kids can stop by for a (free!) cookie from Mrs. Claus, create a unique holiday craft to take home, and experience live entertainment as they wander the halls and rooms of Santa’s House. This year's performance schedule will feature everything from dance routines and puppet shows to martial arts demonstrations and holiday storytelling.
“Santa’s Salon,” is also back, featuring face and nail painting and temporary tattoos courtesy of the Fairfield Ludlowe High School Cheerleading Squad. Guests of all ages can test their luck in the raffle room -- always filled with tantalizing prizes -- and select tasty homemade treats at the Gourmet Bake Shop. As always, a talented silhouette artist will be on hand to create a one-of-a-kind gift! All families will also take home a complimentary bag of reindeer food to help guide Santa and his reindeer to their homes on Christmas Eve.
Of course, the highlight of “A Visit to Santa’s House” is a personal visit with Santa himself, when each child may spend a few special moments whispering their wish list into Santa’s ear. Parents are invited to capture these memories with their own cameras and smartphones free of charge, another example of the club’s Green Initiative.
Advance tickets to “A Visit to Santa’s House” are $5 for adults and children ages 2 and up and may be purchasedat Chloe’s Closet, The Edge Fitness Club of Fairfield, Giant Steps Toy Store, Hobbytown USA, Yellow Moon Toy Company and from JWC members.Tickets at the door are $7.
The Cardinal Shehan Center, the JWC’s current charitable partner and the recipient of the 2014 Santa’s House proceeds, offers a variety of activities that address the educational, recreational, cultural and social needs of moderate and low-income families and young people. Through the partnership and the JWC Girls Zone, girls ages 10 through 18 benefit from mentoring relationships and interactive projects with JWC members. The Junior Women’s Club is proud of the collaborative projects they’ve completed with the young ladies – including special crafts that benefit A Visit to Santa’s House, the very same fundraiser that fuels their program!
The Junior Women’s Club of Fairfield, a member of the Connecticut Junior Women, Inc., is a non-profit service organization whose projects also include the Town-wide Spelling Bee for fifth-graders and a fall Touch-a-Truck event to fund scholarships for high school students. To find more information about “A Visit to Santa’s House” as the big day nears, and to learn more about the club, visit www.jwcfairfield.com. The club can also be found on Facebook and Twitter (twitter.com/jwcoffairfield).
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