Modified and successful Breakfast with Santa held at Heavenly Village

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With most of the Heavenly Holidays events canceled at the Heavenly Village this year, one event was still able to be held - the annual Breakfast with Santa.

The breakfast, moved outside this year due to COVID-19, was held each Saturday in December with the guest stars, Santa and Mrs. Claus. A limited number of tickets were available and each breakfast sold out.

Organizer Dreu Murin said the sponsors had to get creative to meet the safety protocols to make sure the event could be held. Hot breakfast was prepared by the Fire and Ice restaurant and volunteers from US Foods.

“Seeing all the smiles on the kids faces through their masks brought the Christmas spirit to us," said Bruce Gorton of US Foods. "The volunteers and US Foods were proud to be a part and look forward to supporting this for years to come.”

Additionally, bags with gifts, toys and the very popular Heavenly Village Build-A-Bears were provided for all attendees.

The Breakfast with Santa not only brings joy to kids and families, but raises thousands of dollars for local charities providing food and toys for the holidays, according to Murin.

“The support has been incredible from the Heavenly Village and their shops and restaurants this year, said Tom Davis of Christmas Cheer, a local food bank. "We couldn’t do it without them.”

“Its been a tough year for both families and businesses and the need is great," said the owner of Fire and Ice, Kacee Colter. "Fire and Ice still wanted to participate in the Breakfast with Santa to show kids the Christmas joy and provide families a sense of hope all while keeping guests safe.”'

US Foods, Heavenly Village, Fire and Ice, and Refuge Coffee sponsored the event.