OLD TAPPAN, N.J. —— More than 50 children visited with Old Saint Nick Dec. 2 at the Woman’s Club of Old Tappan’s annual Breakfast with Santa held at Old Tappan Fire House.
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The event raised funds that will be used for high school scholarships and monetary awards for high-achieving middle school students, said Diana Savadjian, event chairperson.
Seventeen volunteers from the club served as Santa’s elves and helped make the event a success, she said. Breakfast with Santa has been conducted for decades by the club, said Savadjian. She said Santa’s annual visit attracts mostly kids ages 2-7, accompanied by parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles.
Cell phones and cameras were flashing away as kids took turns asking Santa for a variety of goodies during the 90-minute visit, which included breakfast.
“What’s so wonderful about this event is the kids have so much fun and the people tell me what a wonderful time they had. It really is gratifying to hear that,” said Savadjian. This year’s event featured Bartolomeo Chinnici as Santa, and donations from Dunkin’ Donuts of River Vale, Butterworth’s Bagels of Old Tappan, Lawernce Inserra, Jr. of Shop-Rite Supermarkets, and Mayor John Kramer. Added communications chair Pat Royall: “Children and adults alike had a fun-filled morning, highlighted by Santa’s arrival. All enjoyed socializing over breakfast and the children made holiday crafts, received goodie bags, and visited with Santa.”
The Woman’s Club also sponsors a rummage sale in May to raise funds for its educational scholarships and awards.
-Michael Olohan
Photos by Murray Bass