The Blessing Bags Project brings Santa to the Swordfish Grill & Tiki in Cortez, FL
Bob Slicker, Katrina Cox and the crew of The Swordfish Grill & Tiki in Cortez have done it again! Everyone that came, children and parents and volunteers, had a huge breakfast of bacon, sausage, eggs, french toast and pancakes with syrup and more! Children were seen running around with lovely pictures painted on their faces and smiles from ear to ear! They all went out to the patio area and lined up in anticipation of the arrival of St. Nick. They did not have to wait long. Captain Lance brought Santa and his elves to the restaurant in the boat The Eddy Lee Z. The children were so excited to see him! Santa came in and his elves helped him to see each child and give them their presents and talk to them for a few minutes.
Betsy Halliwell Plante from The Blessing Bags Project (Click here for more info) had this to say about the event:
This years Breakfast with Santa was the best ever. I still cry like a baby as the fishing boat rounds the corner blowing it’s horn. The excitement on the kids faces is MAGICAL! 87 children from 1 month to 18 standing in awe as the boat pulls into the dock. The parents and grandparents were just as excited. Children came from Prodigal Daughters, Salvation Army, Turning Points, Hungers End, Downtown Ministries, and His Girls Discipleship.
Jo Starr of Phillidelphia PA flew in to volunteer this year. Through social media, we had a sponsorship program in which many of the sponsors became team leaders. Those who support us throughout the year at The Swordfish Grill and Tiki were also volunteers. Many thanks to all our families and friends who are always there for us! We are grateful.
We will be partnering with Hungers End (more info here) for a Christmas Eve Day party for more downtown families. Don’t forget our New Years Eve Party at 4 PM. Pizza, pasta, salads, etc. with some fun things!
Carl and Vicki Snyder of Hungers End were there with volunteers too, and provided families with Christmas dinner groceries and turkeys to take back home on their way out!
It was a very special morning!
Watch this cool video of the event!
Sarasota Post Photo