ANNA MARIA – The Chiles Group will host the 26th Annual Lawton Chiles Christmas for Kids Party on Wednesday, Dec. 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sandbar restaurant.
Last year’s event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The annual celebration honors restaurant owner Ed Chiles’ late father, Lawton Chiles, who served as Florida’s governor from 1991-98, and as a U.S. Senator representing Florida from 1971-89. It also honors Ed Chiles’ late mother, Rhea Chiles.
“The Christmas party was very close to the hearts of the event’s namesake, former Governor Lawton Chiles and his wife, Rhea,” according to a press release issued by the Chiles Group. “Their legacy lives on, inspiring employees across all The Chiles Group entities. Staff is involved in the planning and execution of the day, as well as shopping for and wrapping the gifts.”
The theme for Wednesday’s Christmas party is “A Candyland Christmas.” Sixty children from the RCMA non-profit childcare organization in Palmetto and the Bradenton branch of the Head Start Early Rise and Shine program have been invited to attend the holiday event.
Wednesday’s festivities will include bounce houses, face painting, gingerbread man ornament-making and other kids’ crafts.
The invited children will meet Santa Claus and Santa will send each child home with a new outfit of clothing, a pair of shoes and a toy to open on Christmas morning. The meet and greet characters will also include Woody (from Toy Story), Elmo, SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer.
The children will also be treated to lunch catered by The Sandbar.
“The happy faces of the kids when they see the decorations and characters is priceless. It’s the most beautiful thing and really humbles you,” Chiles Group Retail Manager Marilyn Ortiz stated in the press release.
The annual party also serves as a fundraiser that this year will benefit RCMA and the Head Start Early Rise and Shine program.
“The Chiles Group thanks those who have generously given in the past and to those who have done so this year. Those who donate to this year’s event are invited to come by for lunch and see the joy on the children’s faces for themselves. The Chiles Group is still accepting financial contributions to assist with these charitable efforts that bring happiness to children and families in need,” the press release states.
Contributions can be made by sending a check payable to Dine on Pine Inc. and mailed to Dine on Pine Inc., P.O. Box 1478, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Please include a note that states the donation is for the Lawton Chiles Christmas for Kids Party.
