By: Matt Weinagrden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
Over 200 community members gathered for a heartwarming Santa event at St. Simon St. and St. Jude Hall in Belle River recently, with 115 adults and approximately 90 children in attendance.
Event organizer Lorraine Rodriguez explained her motivation for hosting the annual gathering. “I just do it for the community because I think it’s a great event for the kids to see Santa,” she said. “Christmas was always a big deal for us as kids with our mom, so I like to pass the joy around a little bit.”
The event received generous support from Nancy Mullins, a member of both the Catholic Women’s League and Kaycells. Mullins has donated for two consecutive years to help underprivileged families attend the celebration.
“She’s very generous. She donated last year and this year to help underprivileged families to be able to attend, and I just try to find someone who can’t afford to come and I give the tickets to them,” said Rodriguez . “It’s usually a single mom.”
She emphasized that the event is not a profit-making venture but rather a fundraiser for St. Simon St. Jude Hall. “I don’t make money from doing it. I just do it for the Hall. We’re trying to continue to renovate, and it just helps with that and paying the bills for the Hall,” she said. “I’m trying to do an event a few times a year to help with the Hall.”
Looking ahead, a Valentine’s Day dinner and dance is scheduled for Saturday, February 14, serving as another fundraiser for the hall.
The recent renovations appear to be paying off, with the organizer noting that St. Simon and St. Jude Hall is doing very well with bookings and looking forward to serving the community with many more events in the future.
