Dear Friends,

As the holiday season approaches, I am filled with both excitement and gratitude as I share the details of our upcoming 5th annual “Santa with Friends” event. At Friends with Food, we believe that every child deserves to experience the magic of the holidays, especially those facing hardships. This event is more than just a celebration; it is a beacon of hope and joy for the families we support, and we need your help to make it extraordinary.

I want to share the story of one such family—let’s call them the "Rebecca Family"—who touched our hearts last year. When the Rebecca first came to us, they were in a dire situation. Rebecca, a single mother of three young children, had lost her job due to health issues. With mounting bills and no immediate family nearby, she struggled to keep food on the table, let alone provide a festive holiday for her children. They had just moved to Waukesha, seeking a fresh start, but found themselves in an even more difficult position than before.

I remember meeting Rebecca for the first time at our food pantry. She spoke softly, her voice tinged with worry but also a glimmer of hope. She shared how her youngest, Ethan, just four years old, would ask her daily if Santa would still be able to find them in their new home. Rebecca tried to stay strong, not wanting her children to feel the weight of their reality. However, as the holidays approached, she confessed to me that she felt like she was failing them.

But then came “Santa with Friends.” With the help of compassionate supporters like you, we were able to sponsor Ethan, his older sister Lily, and his brother Joshua. That day, the Thompsons arrived at our event, and for the first time in months, Rebecca allowed herself to breathe a sigh of relief. The room was filled with the warmth of the community—there were festive decorations, joyful music, and, of course, a special visit from Santa himself.

I’ll never forget the look on Ethan’s face when he received his very own toy truck—a small yet profound gesture that brought tears to Rebecca’s eyes. “It’s not just about the gift,” she later told me. “It’s about knowing that we’re not alone, that there’s a community here that cares about us, that sees us.”

Moments like these are why we do what we do at Friends with Food. Our “Santa with Friends” event is more than just a day of gifts and fun; it is an opportunity for families like the Thompsons to feel seen, supported, and embraced by their community.

This year, we invite you to be part of this incredible experience by sponsoring a child or family. Your generosity can help ensure that more children, who may otherwise go without, will have a memorable holiday season filled with joy and love. Sponsorships will cover gifts, meals, and a day of celebration for the children we serve. The event is open to the public, welcoming everyone to share in the holiday spirit, but our greatest impact comes from the targeted support we can provide to those most in need.

Your support goes beyond just one day—it creates a ripple effect that lasts a lifetime. By sponsoring “Santa with Friends,” you are helping us provide not just a holiday, but hope. A hope that tells children like Ethan and families like the Thompsons that their community cares, that they matter, and that there is always light, even in the darkest of times.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to partner with us. Together, we can make this holiday season brighter for so many families in our community.

Warm regards,

Rochelle Gamauf
Founder & Executive Director
Friends with Food

Santa with Friends 2024