Sandbar party big fun for kids

12.19.2023

Sandbar party big fun for kids

ANNA MARIA – Chiles Hospitality hosted the 28th Annual Lawton Chiles Christmas for Kids Party on Dec. 14 at the Grand Pavilion of the Sandbar restaurant, 100 Spring Ave.

Every year, Chiles Hospitality staff plans and executes the event, buying and wrapping gifts for around 80 pre-kindergarten students from RCMA, a non-profit childcare organization, as well as kids from Children First Head Start and Early Head Start.

The annual tradition, started by the late Gov. Lawton Chiles and his wife, Rhea, provides underserved youth with a holiday celebration thanks to the help of private and corporate sponsors.

“We continue to honor the Chiles legacy with this beloved holiday party and our staff looks forward to it each year,” said Chuck Wolfe, CEO of Chiles Hospitality. “With their help and the contribution from local sponsors, it guarantees a happy and memorable day for these students. We are thankful to all those who help us preserve this tradition.”

Parents also showed their appreciation for the effort put into making this event possible once again this year.

“It’s amazing what these people put together. My daughter is going to be exhausted after all the excitement and running around with all these kids,” Donatta Holly said. “The food is amazing and the staff has treated us like royalty. They’re good people.”

In addition to receiving a present, each child in attendance received a new pair of shoes and a new outfit. Of course, Santa was excited to be in attendance and children also got to meet characters from the Frozen film, took a spin in a castle bounce house, and enjoyed a snow machine, music, crafts and other activities, in addition to lunch provided by Sandbar restaurant for the whole family.

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