Fargo SantaCon

Six years of fun and philanthropy supporting the Gladys Ray Shelter

As one of the founders of Fargo's version of SantaCon, the jolly pub crawl with holiday costumes and a giving spirit, I found myself surprised that we are coming up on our sixth year, and wanted to talk to some of the organizers and participants about the event’s success and impact. Wasn’t it just yesterday when visions of Santas on Broadway danced in our heads?

SantaCon raises monetary donations and also collects items needed by Gladys Ray Shelter and Veterans Drop-In Center guests, including coffee, razors, deodorant and warm gloves. Participants are asked to dress in any seasonal costume – anything from “ugly” holiday sweaters and a Santa hat all the way to elaborate costumes are welcome. There have been people dressed as lighted Christmas trees, and even a Grinch and a Krampus or two.

Tanya Wilkinson Hoss volunteers for SantaCon and also enjoys attending. For her, “it combines some of my favorite things – dressing up, the holidays and supporting something I believe is important. I've met so many people during SantaCon that I probably wouldn't have met otherwise. Some I only see once a year at this event. People show up year after year because it's become a tradition for them as well. They take time out of a very busy season to be there.”

Hoss is known for her creative costumes – including a candy cane, elf, nutcracker, snowman and a gingerbread woman – and says that “any costume that involves a tutu” is her favorite.

Beyond the fun, Hoss sees the impact the event has on the Gladys Ray Shelter. “I know many of the staff that work there and I've gotten to know several people that have had to rely on the services provided by the Gladys Ray Shelter. I have seen firsthand what happens there and how significant that can be to a person that is homeless.”

Jan Eliassen, Gladys Ray Shelter director, explains how the funds raised are used. “All money raised goes into a fund that provides opportunities for shelter guests to receive assistance to meet a specific need or continue working toward their goals. Often people that are homeless do not have the resources to overcome immediate barriers to housing, employment, training, family reunification, or even meeting basic health needs. SantaCon funds are used to help individuals overcome some of those immediate barriers.

“Examples of past scholarships include support for obtaining a copy of a birth certificate or identification needed to apply for jobs or housing, purchasing required apparel for a new job (boots, gloves, uniform, etc.), filling prescriptions, rental housing applications, transportation to return home, eye appointments and/or new glasses, household items when moving into housing, and medical or dental co-pays. Requests for support can be related to anything that will break down barriers or improve an individual's immediate situation.”

Hoss has many fun memories of the event: “Each year something really memorable happens. One year one of the Santas and I ended up in a couple’s wedding pictures. Last year the entire group was asked if we could make a stop at a child's birthday party. We all sang happy birthday and the look on her face was priceless.”

Karla Johnson-Bischof has attended all five SantaCons and says it is “so much fun to see everyone dressed up and enjoying a little holiday cheer … all while helping a great cause!”

Shelly Jendro works at the Gladys Ray Shelter. “I know firsthand what a great cause the money and items donated go to,” Jendro says. “Last year I had so much fun and enjoyed seeing everyone and collecting the donations.”

The crawl begins at 2 p.m. at the VFW at Broadway and Second Avenue, and continues on the hour to The HoDo, Rooter’s, Dempsey’s, The Empire, Sidestreet and ends at the Pickled Parrot.

Participants are encouraged to eat at one of the participating or nearby establishments and to secure a safe ride home.

Eliassen emphasizes the balance between fun and philanthropy. “It is a tradition, a way to kick off the holiday season. I get to see so many old friends and always make a few new friends. I have a ton of fun every year. When the night is over and all of that green and red dust settles, those of us at the Gladys Ray Shelter are reminded over and over again of how great it is that a bunch of people dressed up in Santa, reindeer and leg lamp outfits for one day in December can make such a big difference all year long.”

IF YOU GO:

6th Annual Fargo SantaCon Benefiting The Gladys Ray Shelter

Downtown Fargo, Sat, Dec. 12, 2-9 p.m.

http://facebook.com/fargosantacon