By Ann Marie Byrd, Feature Writer
The CarolinaEast Foundation Breakfast with Santa event is a favorite for kids and adults alike, launching the holiday season and festivities, while simultaneously supporting one of the most important local hospital charities for patient assistance in times of need.
On Saturday, December 3, 2022 at the Doubletree by Hilton New Bern Riverfront Hotel, and the CarolinaEast Foundation will host their annual Breakfast with Santa event. There are various seating times available for reservation, starting at 8:00 a.m. with a final seating at 1:00 p.m. Each seating is 1.5 hours.
The event includes a breakfast buffet, pictures with Santa, Christmas crafts, Kids-Only Gift Shop, a magic show, and an opportunity for kids to write letters to Santa—and get a personalized response.
“We are passionate about our mission to support our community, and we love this event. We are giving back to our community and we’ve been doing it for nearly 21 years,” says Jared Brinkley, CarolinaEast Foundation Executive Director. “Breakfast with Santa is a unique event that allows families to come together and enjoy the Christmas spirit, while also providing resources for the Foundation to help those on a medical journey.”
The Foundation provides support for patients in a variety of ways, including costs for medicine, transportation and equipment.
“Patient requests are at an all-time high. Our Breakfast with Santa Event is essential as our largest fundraiser to help patients that are struggling. It is a great experience for children and it is great for our patients. The revenue from the event can help a patient have a much needed warm meal, or a wheel chair ramp, or give them comfort when they are in the cancer center for treatment,” says Jared Brinkley. “I’m proud to be a part of an organization that takes some pressure off someone during the most difficult time of their life in their health journey and I feel I’m doing something much bigger than myself. It is humbling. I see how people are struggling, and there are people in our community that are willing to help and to be impactful. It is ok to need a helping hand; it is ok to struggle, but it takes a village to provide for the greater good and our goal is to provide for those in need.”
To join businesses such as B/S/H Home Appliances, DoubleTree by Hilton and Handcraft Linen Services as a sponsor of Breakfast with Santa, call 252-633-8247. The foundation also has options to sponsor a family during the holiday season.
About The CarolinaEast Foundation:
The CarolinaEast Foundation is a non-profit organization with the mission to promote health in our region, support the healthcare community, and assist individuals with healthcare needs. To learn more about the mission of the CarolinaEast Foundation and to donate to one of the campaigns, visit www.carolinaeastfoundation.com.