I first spoke to Santa about my girlfriend’s terminally ill child, and knew it was going to be Delaney’s last Christmas and wanted to make it as memorial as possible. The minute Santa heard the story, he and Mrs. Claus were all in. Santa & Mrs. Claus arrived and were so gracious, passionate, and gentle. They even brought Delaney a special gift, a silver bell. In addition, Santa stopped a second time to see Delaney and her family on Christmas Eve and to let them know that they weren’t alone. Santa & Mrs. Claus are friends for life. You see, Santa keeps tabs on the families he visits and comes back as many times as the family needs him or will have him. The minute he hears of a sick child, Santa is immediately making contact with that family to see how he can offer their assistance.
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.
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)
