broken homes and troubled lives or suffering from serious,
life threatening illness, Christmas magic is still theirs to claim.
The happiness of each face as they watch Santa perform
magic tricks or pull a special gift from his bag is greater
payment than any Santa or elf could ask for.
Volunteers like Santa Mike Brewster, Santa Gino Brogdon,
Santa Don Edwards, Santa Brian Johnson, Santa Chris
McFadden, Santa Gary Spencer, Lead Elves Andrea
Doneff, Randy Fry, Leah Knowlton, Kathleen Layton,
Monique McDowell, Melody Richardson, Mike St. Amand
and Eileen Thomas in addition numerous others serve,
atlanta santa
many visiting the same place each year. Though there are
too many volunteers to list, it is the love, generosity and
dedication of each one individually as well as collectively that
allow the Atlanta Santa Project to continue making Christmas
dreams come true. What better way to celebrate the spirit
and meaning of the Season. Thanks to each one for keeping
the belief alive! ■
2012 Atlanta Santa Project Testimonials
The Atlanta Santa Project hosted by the Atlanta Bar Association has not only been a blessing to our organization
but now a tradition that the Residents & Staff look forward to during the Holiday season. The Santa’s we have
had the pleasure to experience have brought a unique style of Holiday Cheer for which we are eternally grateful.
– Kenny Porter
Jerusalem House
"Santa and his elves" have been the finishing touch on the Holiday Party for Atlanta's Special Citizens for over ten
years. Our special guests wait each year with great anticipation to Santas's grand entrance behind the marching
band and riding his modern day sleigh, a segway, while the number of elves behind him have increased over the
years. Leading the 650 guests in song is the perfect end to a perfect day.
– Enid Draluck
Atlanta’s Special Citizens
Each December since 2009, a group of 75 Latino students at LaAmistad After School at Peachtree Presbyterian
Church eagerly await a handful of lawyers to pay them a visit. You see these lawyers are not just any lawyers,
they come dressed in red and white and bring Christmas cheer to all they see. These lawyers are members of the
Atlanta Bar Association and have dressed up as Santa and his elves each year for this grateful group of children.
They pass out presents, candy canes and take photos of every student sitting on Santa’s lap. The students range
in age from 1 to 18 years and are from schools in the Buckhead area. For almost all of them, this marks their only
opportunity to sit on the lap of Santa himself and get their photo taken. “It has been a great tradition,” remarks
LaAmistad executive director Cat McAfee. “This group of men and women is wonderful to work with. They are
very professional and prepared, and we are very thankful to have them visit us each year. And of course, the kids
absolutely love it.”
– Cat DaCosta McAfee
Executive Director, LaAmistad
Rick McDevitt Youth Center :We were the first site for the Santa project. Every year we have 300 inner city kids,
toys for all, catered by Publix and a picture of each kid for Mom. The kids are thrilled to sit with Santa but the Mom's
even more. They can't afford "Mall Santa pictures" and without this program so many memories would otherwise
be lost. A very big deal for any Mom. One year a little boy was waiting for Santa. He waited and waited and was
so excited. Santa came in and yelled "ho ho ho Merry Christmas" and the young fella screamed "Santa Claus is
here" and peed his pants. He was so embarrassed but his Mom and the Elves made him feel b etter. Thank you
Santa project and its Founder Jackson Bedford. You have made thousands of poor, sick and disabled kids feel
the joy of Christmas.
– Rick McDevitt
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Rick McDevitt Youth Center.
The Official News Publication of the Atlanta Bar Association
December 2012
THE ATLANTA LAWYER
13