Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders joined the party to provide entertainment and holiday cheer
During the holiday season, many of us are reminded of how much more rewarding it can be to give than to receive, particularly when there are children involved.
Multiply that thought by 65, and you'll understand why the holiday party hosted by the Glazer Family Foundation on Wednesday was such a heartwarming event.
The Foundation threw a two-hour party at the St. John Presbyterian Learning Center for 65 children who might otherwise have felt little holiday cheer. The Learning Center is a non-denominational day care facility that offers scholarships to disadvantaged children in ages from one to 10.
"We were a little bit overwhelmed by the response from the children," said Roni Costello, Executive Director of the Glazer Family Foundation. "In a situation like this, the organization gets back so much more than it could ever give."
Each of the 65 children was presented with a personalized gift and a stocking stuffed with additional presents. They were also entertained throughout the party by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders and Captain Fear, the Bucs' mascot.
While the presents were certainly the highlight of the event for these disadvantaged children, the entertainment provided by the Buccaneer Cheerleaders kept the party hopping to the end. The troop put on an extensive talent show and the kids particularly enjoyed clapping along to holiday carols played on the violin by cheerleader Amyra Shaheed.
Even so, the cheerleaders and Captain Fear took a back seat to the surprise guest that joined the party at the end in time for the gift-giving: Santa Claus himself. His visit made the holiday party complete for the delighted Learning Center children.
The Glazer Family Foundation, the charitable arm of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is dedicated to assisting charitable and educational causes in the West Central Florida region. The Glazer Family Foundation works with established not-for-profit organizations that work with youth and families to help identify and create programs that support positive social and economic development within our communities. For more information, visit www.glazerfamilyfoundation.com.
