Christmas Fashion Show Raises Money for Santa Claus, Inc.

Tall, lean, and full-figured professional models walked the long runway showing off the latest in fashion from Macy’s at this year’s 63rd annual Christmas Tree Lane luncheon at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino. The luncheon benefited Santa Claus Inc. to help supply Christmas presents, clothes and other needed items for low-income children throughout the Inland Empire. A sprawling catwalk was the centerpiece of the spectacular Macy’s Fashion Extravaganza. Macy’s highlighted fashion traditions through the decades, from the 1920s through present day. The room was festively decorated with huge Christmas backdrops of scenes from celebrations of the past and 16 beautifully designed Christmas trees by the area’s leading floral designers. Attendees were also presented with a luncheon and boutiques who set up booths around the National Orange Show Event Center, with a percentage of their proceeds benefitting children served by Santa Claus, Inc. Following the fashion show was the Fund a Child live auction, and the closing of the silent auction, with the announcement of the winners of the designer tree raffle. Other fundraising opportunities during the 2-day event included a live auction hosted by Martha Green and a silent auction featuring many popular gifts. Lucinda of Couture productions created the fashion show and selected the entertainment for Macy’s and the Friends Santa Claus Inc. Santa Claus, Inc. was founded in 1952 by Mignon Schweitzer, who was concerned about the need for helping the less fortunate during the most popular season of the Christian faith. “Thousands of Inland Empire families will celebrate Christmas with gifts under the tree thanks to the work of Santa Claus Inc., its volunteers and hundreds of community members,” said Board Member Margie Miller. Santa Claus Inc.’s San Bernardino-based warehouse opened in early December and continued to give gifts through Dec. 15. 15,000 parents are invited to "shop" for their children’s holiday gifts. “The philosophy at Santa Claus Inc. is to give dignity to the parents and let them do the shopping. The kids don’t have to know that mom and dad did not find the money to put the gifts under the tree,” said Karen DiCarlo, executive director of Santa Claus, Inc. Parents decide based on the age and needs of their child what they want to take from Santa Claus Inc.’s huge inventory. The warehouse is continually re-supplied with toys, clothes and books. Santa Claus, Inc. is rapidly increasing the number of children they serve. “We served 18,000 children in 2012, and so far this year 72,000 children have been served by our year-round projects,” said DiCarlo. DiCarlo says they are headed towards serving 100,000 children this year. “We will serve at least 15,000 children or about 6,000 families this year during the Christmas season,” said DiCarlo. Santa Clause, Inc. has expanded its services over the years and now helps children with more than just Christmas presents. Throughout the year, Santa Claus, Inc. offers backpacks loaded with school supplies; distribution of 27,000 pairs of Sketchers shoes to children in need; the Birthday Bag program for children whose parents can’t afford to give them a birthday present; and a partnership with the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital in a project called "All My Own." Future plans include a partnership with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department in a homeless initiative to serve families with children. The non-profit is led by a dedicated board of volunteer directors including: Board Chairman - Larry O'Nan; Kathleen Albrektson, Attorney at Law; Kendra Dockham, C.P.A.; Jana Schweppe-Herrera, Executive Director, Villas at San Bernardino; Margie Miller - Owner and Publisher, City News Group; Tony Lourenco, Psychiatric Social Worker; and Don DiCarlo, Business Executive. “Santa Claus, Inc.’s extraordinary volunteers really make the magic happen! With an army of 2,000 volunteers nationwide and a core group of over 50 working every week at the workshop, Santa Claus, Inc. pulls off the impossible! Without our invaluable volunteers Santa Claus, Inc. would not exist,” said DiCarlo. For more information on Santa Claus, Inc., call (909) 885-0090.