CADILLAC - A group of Cadillac people with disabilities were treated to a special party Monday to celebrate a fundraising milestone for the year that included a special visit with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Clause.
Apparently, the Clauses have more time in their schedule now that Christmas is over.
Mr. and Mrs. Claus were handing out medals and treats to the group of kids and adults that has spent the past three years fundraising with bottle and can drives to help spruce up the Veterans Serving Veterans Park in Cadillac.
Gulf War Navy veteran Teresa Franklin said they have raised around $59,000 over the past three years, with $15,000 of that coming this year alone.
Franklin said events like Monday’s party help make them feel special.
“It makes them feel appreciated. And that’s kind of the goal. They will all be getting medals, saying that they’re appreciated and, and that they will make a difference and matter no matter what. Disabilities don’t stop you from doing things to help others,” said Franklin.
For volunteers like Krystina Chimoski, it was a great day.
“I’m having a lot of fun. Santa Claus is here, Mrs. Claus. That means a lot to me because I put a lot of work into it. It was good to see Santa, even though I was on the naughty list,” said Chimoski.
Officials with Veterans Serving Veterans Park said the park is a work in progress, but they are slowly and steadily making improvements every year thanks to the efforts of their volunteers.