It’s that time of year again when the jolly man in red pays a visit to an eager group of St. Jacobs kiddies at the annual Optimist Breakfast with Santa. But the fun and games are not just for the children, says Optimist member Robyn Gromeder, this year’s organizer of the event’s silent auction.
“I think the members enjoy it as much as the kids. They enjoy seeing the kids up there. It’s the first event we ever did as a club and it’s going strong,” she said, adding that there will be plenty of diversions for adults as well.
Now in its eighth year, the event has undergone many transformations. The members have added a face-painting station and perfected a hearty breakfast menu to include popular favorites that keep enthusiasts coming back every year.
“We use pretty much every table and chair in the place,” Gromeder said of the event in past years.
The club is used to full attendance from members at the event, with most if not all showing up to spread the holiday cheer. Optimist Club members will be on location as early as 7 a.m. to set up for the event. They will then participate in the various activities and serve a schmorgesborg breakfast of pancakes, sausage, eggs, hash browns and beans before getting down to the activities at hand.
A penny auction for the kids will allow them to purchase an arms-length of tickets, place one half of each ticket into a container next to an item they wish to purchase. Then names get drawn for prizes such as toys and children’s accessories.
The silent auction for adults is the main event that raises money for next year’s festivities. Gromeder said that during Wednesday’s meeting the Optimist Club learned more about the items that will be auctioned off at the silent auction. Items usually include various pieces of jewelry and artwork donated by local individuals and businesses. Last year’s proceeds from the auction brought in $1,246.
Increasing the number of event goers each year, the club hopes to keep the magic alive and the kids calling for Santa as he sits on stage with Mrs. Claus, taking requests for presents and presiding over the event.
The breakfast will be held on December 8th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the St. Jacobs Community Centre at 31 Parkside Dr. Admission for breakfast and the event costs $4 per person at the door.
