WESTFIELD-Santa Claus will once again take time from his hectic schedule to drop in on Boy Scout Troop 821’s annual Breakfast with Santa fundraiser on Dec. 7.
“Area residents and families are encouraged to attend, all ages from newborn to 99,” said Heidi Trottier, who serves as assistant scoutmaster. “We offer a festive atmosphere with some pretty terrific food, with even more terrific hosting by our troop scouts, leaders and parents.”
The annual event will be conducted from 8 – 11:30 a.m. in the parish center of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church on Holyoke Road. The menu includes pancakes topped with butter and syrup, bacon, coffee, tea and juice. Tickets at the door will be $10 for adults, $5 for children under 12, and free for children under 3.
Shaun Roberts was among the many children who enjoyed meeting Santa Claus at last year’s Breakfast with Santa event at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church. Santa returns on Dec. 7 for Boy Scout Troop 821’s annual fundraiser. (Submitted photo)
“We expect to have dozens of scouts participating,” said Cathy Thibodeau, coordinator of the event. “They will be led by our current youth leaders, Patrick Callahan who is senior patrol leader, and Alex Gaugh who is assistant senior patrol leader.”
Trottier said the breakfast started in 2003 and remains one of the year’s highlights for the scouts.
“We would like to thank scoutmaster Christian Muldrew, as well as former scoutmasters Michael Glaiel, Joe Mitchell and Joe Muto for endlessly giving of their time for this amazing troop fundraiser, as well as the many assistant scoutmasters and parent committee members who donate their time and efforts for this troop event,” said Trottier.
While breakfast is the main focus, Santa will also take center stage on a big comfy chair with a burgundy stage curtain backdrop.
“Santa is always engaging and excited to see the line of kids ready to speak to him,” said Trottier, adding, “family pictures with Santa are a forever memory.”
Trottier noted festive holiday trees will flank Santa and a Dutch oven will be full of candy canes for all good little girls and boys.
As part of the morning festivities, a “huge” silent auction raffle is planned.
“The raffle will encompass one full wall of the parish center building,” said Trottier. “Raffle prizes range from themed baskets including “Movie Night,” “Italian Night,” “Barbecue” and “Blankets,” to gift cards, electronics and camping gear.”
Children will also be able to enjoy making holiday decorations, frames and festive foam crafts as part of the morning’s events.
“We especially thank Rick Gaudreau who spearheaded the event for years as well as Ron Cole who also headed the event for a handful of years before,” said Thibodeau. “We are also truly grateful to Fr. Dan Pacholec and the Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church for sponsoring our troop.”
Both Trottier and Thibodeau encourage area residents to stop in and enjoy the festive fundraiser.
“Our scouts are very active in the community including Eagle projects, the parades, tending flags at the cemeteries, volunteering at library events, the Stanley Park Wheel Walk, the PumpkinFest and so much more,” said Thibodeau. “Just as we support the community, we appreciate the community’s support in return.”
Thibodeau added that the money raised will help support event scholarships and camping activities, as well as to purchase troop gear.
“We’re very proud of these boys and all they accomplish,” said Thibodeau.
