On Friday, December 8, 2017, the Portage Township YMCA hosted their Annual Evening with Santa. Despite ticket pre-sales falling behind sales in year’s past, Cathi Srednoselac, Youth & Family Programs Director for the Y, was blown away by this year’s attendance. “This was one of our biggest years with approximately 400-425 people attending” said Srednoselac. While dinner is offered for a minimal fee, not everyone eats dinner and attendance estimates were based off how many meals were served at the event.
An Evening with Santa began seven years ago as a family-friendly fundraiser for the Portage YMCA's Preschool Academy.
According to Srednoselac, “We do this to have affordable family fun with the magic of Christmas. Seeing the kids faces light up when they visit Santa or get a prize after playing one of our many games is what it’s all about. We try to offer a variety of activities including dinner, games, crafts, pampering in the Peppermint Palace, and make your own Sundae Bar for hands-on food fun. Thanks to our local Portage 16 IMAX, we even serve popcorn. Families can enjoy the event without breaking the bank.”
With the continuous growth of this event year after year, lots of man hours are needed to put it all together and make it successful. The event would not be possible without the volunteers who are not only dedicated to the Y, but to the families of Portage. Srednoselac has led the preschool team for many years and is very proud of her amazing staff! They start prepping months ahead of time for this event and in their words, “It’s all for the kids.”
The Preschool Academy at the Portage YMCA serves children ages 3-5 years with 2-day, 3-day and 4-day class options in both the morning and afternoon. To learn more about the Portage YMCA Preschool Academy or the organization in general, please visit their website at www.ymcaofportage.org.
The Portage Township YMCA is an IRS 501c(3) charity whose cause is to strengthen the foundation of community through programs focused on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.