Santa and Mrs. Claus visit with 5-year-old Emily Hasson, of Parrish, at last year’s GWFC Ruskin Woman’s Club’s Breakfast with Santa fundraiser at its historic clubhouse. They will return this year on Dec. 12 for two seatings: 9 to 10 a.m. or 10 to 11 a.m.

Ruskin Woman’s Club to host 3rd annual Breakfast with Santa, RSVP now

By LOIS KINDLE

Christmas is only four weeks away, and children everywhere are already dreaming of Santa’s annual visit. But before the Jolly Old Soul stops by this year, he needs to know what’s on their lists.

The GFWC Ruskin Woman’s Club will give children the opportunity to tell him at the 3rd annual Breakfast with Santa scholarship fundraiser Dec. 12. It will be hosted at its historic clubhouse, 503 U.S. 41 S, Ruskin, and school-age kids, their parents and grandparents are invited. Santa and Mrs. Claus, aka Larry and Carol Berman, of Sun City Center, will pass out candy, chat with the kids and be on hand for two breakfasts, one from 8 to 9 a.m. and the other from 10 to 11 a.m.

“It’s one of our favorite things to do over the holidays,” said Amanda Gary, mother of three. “My kids feel very special with all the attention they receive. They especially love the colorful choice of breakfast toppings.”

The holiday-themed event, which will observe all CDC guidelines, includes a generous breakfast, once again donated by the Sheraton Marriott and prepared by Chef Neal Bostic. This year, it will include eggs, French toast sticks, bacon and donut holes, assorted toppings, hot cocoa or coffee.

GWFC Ruskin Woman’s Club president, Cheryl DeLeon, invites area residents and their school-age children to attend the 3rd annual Breakfast with Santa scholarship fundraiser, Dec. 12 at the club’s historic clubhouse, 503 U.S. 41 S., Ruskin.

It will also feature arts and crafts, music by DJ St. Nick (DJ CC Spinz), prizes, raffles and photos with Santa.

This year’s raffle items include a $500 gift certificate to Gold & Diamond Source, a stay at Little Harbor, girls’ and boys’ gift baskets and assorted gift certificates from area businesses and restaurants.

Admission is $10 for each adult and $5 per child. Seating is limited, so it’s important to RSVP now.

“Last year, we raised $1,500 from the breakfasts and wreath and gift basket sales,” said Anne Frappier, club treasurer. “And we also received an additional $1,000 in donations from area businesses.”

All of the proceeds from this and other GFWC Ruskin Woman’s Club fundraisers enable the club to award college scholarships to local high school graduates. The number of them depends on the total amount raised over the year.

In May, eight Lennard and East Bay High School graduates received $1,000 awards. The club also awarded a scholarship to a single mother returning to school.

“It’s been a trying year,” said Cheryl DeLeon, club president. “Breakfast with Santa is a great way to start your family’s Christmas celebration.”

If you’re unable to attend the Breakfast with Santa but would like to support the club’s scholarship giving, you can send a tax-deductible donation in any amount to the GFWC Ruskin Woman’s Club, P.O. Box 547, Ruskin, FL 33575.

For more information, call Frappier at 813-812-5052.