Children's Holiday Party History
Posted by Ken Livingston
---A little history
In early November of 2000, a carbon monoxide scare forced residence of the West Yarmouth Inn out into the streets. The aftermath was the realization of the number of needy families, with children, residing in the motels along Route 28. A group of Rotarians, Peter Carnes, Bruce Hill, Tom Martin, and Jack MacLelland, constituted a quickly formed committee to organize a Christmas party for these needy families.
Tom approached Captain Parker Restaurant owner, Jerry Manning who readily agreed to provide a turkey dinner. Jack Bragginton-Smith was approached and agreed to allow the use of Jack's Outback as the venue to host the dinner and party.
Rotarians to greet invitees, prepare and serve the dinner, purchase and wrap gifts, and clean up were also quickly enlisted to provide a joyous day for the families residing in the motels.
Bruce and Peter worked with the school social workers to identify the most needy families and spent a few early mornings riding around the motels looking for school age children waiting for the bus. At this first Christmas Party approximately sixty guests, children and adults, attended and were delighted to be greeted by face painters, balloon artists, and a clown doing magic tricks.
A grand meal was served and Santa Martin arrived with one of his famous elves, Jim Walker, as the children beamed with excitement. Gifts of hats, gloves or mittens, and a book were given to each child. A tin of cookies, mostly home baked by Rotarians, was also handed out.
For those families without transportation there was the thrill of a ride in a Yarmouth Police cruiser...complete with flashing blue lights and siren.
All the joy from this wonderous day was not restricted to those needy families. The Rotarians felt the warmth of a good deed, done well.
An interesting aside to this history; at the the 2001 Christmas party a mother was noticed lifting her cerebral palsy stricken son, Kyle Gueiselman from her car to his wheelchair. As a result our club, especially Dave Bisbee and Peter Carnes, spearheaded a fund drive to purchase a handicap van for Kyle and his mother. Kyle attended a Friday meeting to express his gratitude. Kyle is presently a student at Cape Cod Regional Technical High School and is raising funds to improve handicap facilities at the school. He learned a good lessen about helping others.
Many Rotarians have played a large part in producing this party over the last 8 years. Notably, Sally Bowles has been the shopper extraordinaire and Fred Peck provided leadership. This annual party has more Yarmouth Rotarians participate than any other Club event. It is truly a team effort.