I had the privilege of meeting Santa last year during a challenging time when my girlfriend’s daughter, Delaney, was bravely battling brain cancer. Witnessing the extraordinary efforts Santa made to bring a glimmer of joy to their Christmas was truly touching.
The heartwarming tale of Santa’s visit to Delaney’s family revealed the magic and kindness that encapsulate the true spirit of Christmas. Faced with the heartbreaking reality of Delaney’s last Christmas, reaching out to Santa became a heartfelt plea to create lasting memories. Santa, arranged to meet Delaney and drew such a connection that he & Ms. Claus drove over on Christmas Eve to visit the family. Mr. & Mrs. Claus eagerly embraced the opportunity to bring joy and comfort to Delaney and her family.
Santa’s arrival wasn’t a routine visit; it exuded grace, passion, and gentleness, leaving an indelible mark on everyone present. The gift of a silver bell, symbolizing enchantment and everlasting magic, added an extra layer of warmth to the occasion. Going beyond expectations, Santa and Mrs. Claus made a second visit on Christmas Eve, reassuring the family that they were not alone on their difficult journey.
The heartwarming connection with Santa and Mrs. Claus transcends a simple holiday encounter; it signifies a lasting friendship. Santa, true to his timeless spirit, remains a pillar of support, keeping a caring eye on the families he visits and returning as many times as needed. The immediate and heartfelt response to the news of a sick child underscores Santa’s unwavering commitment to providing assistance and spreading the magic of compassion. In this touching tale, Santa and Mrs. Claus have become cherished friends for life, embodying the enduring magic of Christmas throughout the entire year.
Recently, Santa paid a visit to Delaney’s gravesite, serving as a poignant reminder that he is always with the family, and Delaney will forever be in our hearts. As we approach December 16th, we continue to hold Delaney’s family close in our thoughts, especially on her birthday.
Santa is dedicated to working with seriously and terminally ill children and their families to provide comfort and support throughout the final stages of a child’s illness. Also known as Bart Gaffney, Santa is committed to fulfill that child’s wish any time of the year. He & Mrs. Clause bring the spirit of Christmas to all. Many people don’t realize this, but Santa fills a special need of supporting a child’s dreams and wishes. Lastly, Santa provides this family with fond memories of their child’s Christmas, and for some it may be their last.
Meet Santa Claus- Bart Gaffney
Bart Gaffney is married to his wife, Sharon (Mrs. Claus), and they have three daughters and one granddaughter. Bart is a second generation Santa Claus, first donning the Big Red Suit in the late 1990’s. His wife is newer to portraying Mrs. Claus and has embraced the role wholeheartedly. Together their desire is to use their roles to serve the community as only Santa and Mrs. Claus can. Approaching retirement allows them the opportunity to pursue lifelong ambitions and give back to the community simultaneously.
Their seasonal persona is on full display via virtual online, personal, private, public and community Santa visits and appearances, photo shoots, multi-media advertising, tree lighting’s, festivals, parades, public events, etc. But it is their passion to serve ALL families of the Lake Country area that led them to become members of “SantaAmerica.org”.
Santa Helps So Many
They have received, and continue to pursue specialized training for visitations with children of “all ages” dealing with:
*Death, Grief, Bereavement/Terminal Illness/Make-A-Wish requests.
*Autism Spectrum Disorders/Special Needs visits.
*Families & Children with Trauma/PTSD visits.
*Military Families separated by deployment visits.
They know all too well that some children may not be with us next December. For this reason, their Claus portrayal is not seasonal, but, in fact, available year-round, with the intention to offer families, struggling with these realities, that holiday environment at anytime, anywhere.
Later this spring they have also enrolled in ASL sign language classes to fill that need as well.
Santa & The Community
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Our last venture was a 30 year run as owners of ServiceMaster Disaster Restoration franchises located in Wisconsin and Colorado. Mrs. Claus is a Mental Health Therapist operating her business in Oconomowoc, and I am concentrating my efforts on this venture.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
You can find me at Amalia’s Restaurant for breakfast most any day Monday through Friday sitting at the counter.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve lived in the Lake Country community since the early 1980’s.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
That would be The Kiltie.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Enjoying sunsets on our beautiful lakes.
Get to know Santa a little more!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Pay it forward.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Tom Hanks, to convince him to make a sequel to “That Thing You Do”, at The Kiltie.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’ve given up on ever playing the bagpipes.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Mrs. Claus’s Lasagna.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
In Faith, in real persons and in fictional characters, this is a daily occurrence with no one singular answer. If you are open to it, inspiration to become a better version of yourself can come at any time, from anywhere.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Lake Country Life
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite moves? TV shows?
“Holly and the Hot Chocolate” (starring Hanna Gaffney)
Q: What was your first job?
Gaining weight
Q: What job did you always want as a child?
Toymaker
Q: What is your pet peeve?
People thinking Santa keeps a naughty list.
Q: How much did Santa’s sleigh cost?
Nothing, the elves made it.
Q: Why does Santa go through the chimney?
He doesn’t anymore… he has a magic key.
Q: What is your idea of happiness?
Bringing smiles to children’s faces (of all ages). I have the best job in the world.
Where to find Santa Claus (Bart Gaffney)
