December 9, 2004

Breakfast with Santa

Special appearance puts holiday season into full swing

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

In a grand effort to kick off the holiday season along with their annual Snow Ball event, the Almaden Valley Counseling Service [AVCS] hosted Breakfast with Santa on Saturday at the Almaden Golf & Country Club.

Erin and Bill Blodgett take their turn on Santa’s lap with daughters Alyssa, 2 and Samantha, 5 during Almaden Valley Counseling Service’s Breakfast with Santa event on Saturday at the Almaden Country Club.

Through special North Pole negotiations, [AVCS] was successful in landing Santa Claus as the featured guest, much to the delight of the 75 children in attendance, who couldn’t wait to hop on his lap and give him an earful of wishes, while more than 70 parents, family members, and friends listened carefully for shopping ideas of their own. Some even took their place on his lap for a quick request, including Debbie Bishop, who would like nothing more than to open her eyes up on Christmas morning to a completely remodeled home. Her 14-year-old daughter Alexandra on the other hand, hopes to find a pony in their backyard instead.

The event, expected to raise an estimated $5,000, was sponsored by The Brownstone Foundation, which focuses on providing funding for charities that strive to improve the health and well being of children.

Although intended to raise funds for the multitude of AVCS programs, Executive Director Rocki Kramer says the breakfast was more about reaching out and letting the community know about the full range of services and programs they offer to help provide affordable mental health counseling for all ages.

AVCS is located at 6529 Crown Boulevard, Suite D, in Almaden. For more information on the services offered or to schedule an appointment, call (408) 997-0200 or visit www.avcounseling.org.