Submitted by NORPAC SANTAS
This year, Washington-based North Pacific Santas (NORPAC SANTAS), an organization of some 50 Santas, Mrs. Santas, elves and grinches, is merrier than usual about the holidays. NORPAC is about to launch “NORPAC SANTAS With a Cause,” a GoFundMe campaign that will help bring toys to children whose families were hard-hit by hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
“In thinking over the many recent disasters and how to help, Santa realized he had a special role to fill this year, and we are thrilled about this opportunity to give him a hand,” said Santa Trever Waltos, co-chair of NORPAC. “Because Santa understands the hearts and dreams of children, he knows the importance of toys in their lives. It makes him sad that so many children have lost toys that were special to them and that their parents are unable to replace.”
The NORPAC SANTAS With a Cause Campaign formally begins Nov. 3-4 at the organization’s 8th annual Northwest Santa Workshop at Great Wolf Lodge. The workshop is from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. November 3, and beginning at 8:00 a.m. November 4. It concludes at 3:00 p.m. November 4 with the Grand Santa Parade, featuring Santas, Mrs. Santas, elves and the grinch, all dressed in their finest holiday regalia and singing Christmas favorites as they proceed through the lodge’s main lobby.
The NORPAC fundraising campaign will continue through November, longer if donations are still arriving. NORPAC is digging deep into its stocking to donate the first $1,000 toward the $25,000 campaign goal. But everyone knows it takes a village – or in this case, a whole lot of elves – to pull off something this big, so NORPAC is counting on Santa’s helpers everywhere to dig into their own stockings.
Because Santa’s December to-do list is even longer than his beard, he’ll be scrapping his traditional sleigh-delivery system, Waltos said. Instead, the Santas of NORPAC are teaming with the Lone Star Santas and Palm Tree Santas, who will purchase toys with the GoFundMe proceeds, then get them to children hardest hit by the disasters in their area. The three groups are all chapters of the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas (IBRBS).
“I think this may be the first time chapters have teamed up on a large project like this,” Waltos said. “We hope it will lead to further joint efforts in support of children. We all realize that no one person or organization can do all he or she would like to help others in times like this, but as Santas, we hope we’ll be able to brighten the lives of at least some of these children – that’s the cause dearest to our hearts.”
To help NORPAC SANTAS reach its goal, go to the NORPAC SANTAS GoFundMe Page. For more information on NORPAC SANTAS With a Cause Campaign, contact Waltos on his sleigh phone, 253-732-1482, or by email at santat@comcast.net. Or contact NORPAC Treasurer Dennis Gorley – sleigh phone 425-471-4076 or email, dennisgorley@comcast.net.
Bob Partlow is a a local Olympia Santa who will be participating in the Santas With a Cause campaigin. Read more about Bob Partlow in this article.
NORPAC SANTAS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of individuals from throughout the Northwest who portray Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, elves, reindeer, a grinch and Santa’s helpers with the object of spreading love, joy and the spirit of Christmas year-round. The group meets throughout the year for luncheons and to exchange information and ideas that will help them become better and more professional entertainers, as well as to share stories and one another’s’ company. NORPAC’s 50-plus members are background-checked, and nearly all participate in educational workshops and other trainings. At each meeting, both the Santa Claus Oath (https://ibrbsantas.org/santa_claus_oath.html) and Mrs. Santa Pledge (https://ibrbsantas.org/mrs_claus_pledge.html) are recited as a reminder of the special role with which they are entrusted in the lives of children. To learn more about the organization and its members, visit NORPAC at www.norpac-santas.org (Facebook at www.facebook.com/NORPAC-Santasorg-Professional-Santa-Claus-Organization-302072029807953/ )
