History of "Breakfast With Santa"

The idea was first shared with Dawn O'Neal, Michele Morse Reen, and Karlene Westfall by a REALTOR® from Texas, Barbara Farner. She had been doing this event for her clients for many years. Barbara generously allowed the group to replicate her idea in California, as she felt Christmas is for children everywhere.

Dawn, Michele, and Karlene joined together to put on this event for 10 years for all their clients from 1999 through 2008. This is our way to thank our clients for their support and business throughout the years. In 2009 Chris Knox joined the team of sponsors as Karlene left to pursue a different avenue to thank her clients through her real estate office.

In 2004, Lori Ojeda joined the group of sponsors. Lori photographed the children with Mr. & Mrs. Santa while her husband Tony and son Joseph help collect the donations and showed off the Sharkmobile. In 2009 Tony retired from the Fire Department and Lori retired from Breakfast With Santa.

We all believe the holidays are a good time to share and give back to the community. Our clients are asked to donate a toy for Toys for Tots, or food for the Second Harvest Food Bank. Over the years we have added games for the children, balloons, clowns, and face painting. Each year we try to bring in something new to add to the fun of the event.

Our THANKS go out to Karlene Westfall, the Ojeda family, Chris Knox, and all our volunteers for their many years of service to Breakfast With Santa for helping with the success of this wonderful event!