On Saturday morning, December 9, we celebrated the 29th annual Breakfast with Santa with Washington Elementary School in San Jose!
By Cathie Thermond
 
 
 
On Saturday morning, December 9, we celebrated the 29th annual Breakfast with Santa with Washington Elementary School in San Jose!
This wonderful event began as a program sponsored by the City of Saratoga and our Rotary Club.  For many years, it was held in the Saratoga Community Center.  For at least the last decade, the event has taken place in the multipurpose room at Washington; the room is decorated by the caring staff and volunteers.
 
For any of you not familiar with the program, the day starts with setting up the places on the tables for the students to have breakfast, unloading all the gift bags, and preparing for the facepainting.  As the students start to arrive, we help them with breakfast and crafts at the tables.  The arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus is the main event!  After greeting the children at their tables, each child gets to go up and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, get their photo taken, and receive a gift. While they wait their turn, they eat, do crafts, and have their faces painted.  After everyone has had their picture with Santa, the caroling begins.
 
Whether you helped pack the gifts on Friday, were one of the 30 Rotarians at the event, or are one of our members who kept the tradition going in past years, thank you so very much!  Special thanks to Santa Chuck Page and Mrs. Claus Kookie who brought so much joy and hope to the children.  Maria gave each child a framed photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Sonal purchased the food for all the students. Once again Dave and Angela brought students from Cambrian Academy and we had lots Prospect High students attend! The high schoolers' face painting and participation in the sing along were energizing! And there are so many more people to thank as you will see in the photos.
 
Maria and Sheeba captured the morning in photos.  We talked with the Washington Elementary School principal about sharing these photos on our social media.  They have a very specific policy - please follow this so we can continue to use the photos!
 
You may post photos of the event if you include in your post these words: "Saratoga Rotary, Breakfast with Santa at Washington Elementary School."  The school has parents sign paperwork that says their students' photos can be used when they are participating in a school event.  We cannot name any of the children.
 
Thanks for supporting this project through the Art Show and the Saratoga Rotary Charitable Foundation!  Don't miss this event next year!
 
Here are the photos (thanks again, Maria and Sheeba) so you can share in the joy!