By McLean Grimes
Executive News Editor
The fifth annual Santa Stroll took place on Dec. 10 at 9 a.m. in downtown Hermosa Beach and
Manhattan Beach to support Mychal’s Learning Place.
The event was a fundraiser for Mychal’s Learning Place. All attendees wore a Santa suit while
they walked or ran from pier to pier. Tickets ranged from $10 to $45, depending on participant
age and team. With the adult ticket that cost $45, the participant was awarded a free Santa suit
to wear.
“When you register you get a Santa suit,” said Costa chemistry teacher and Mychal’s Learning
Place volunteer Teresa Nielson. “You don’t have to come up with a Santa suit on your own.”
The event first started with an opening ceremony: a DJ played music and Mychal’s Learning
Place participants performed. The runners were released first, followed by the walkers, who
were led in several stretches to get ready for the walk.
“My favorite part of the opening ceremony was the costume contest for dogs because all the
dogs were dressed up in cute costumes,” said junior Ellie Penzcar.
Once the participants ended the stroll, there were booths including the Kinecta ice cream truck
and Raising Cane’s booth that awaited them. Participants got free items or food from the
booths, as well as discounts to local stores.
“After the walk, I was happy that I was able to participate and help Mychal’s Learning Place,”
said Penzcar. “There were many booths, and all had good items like the Kinecta truck had ice
cream.”
According to Mychal’s Learning Place, its goal is to provide children with developmental
disabilities with an environment that is safe and loving. They also encourage independence and
building of self-esteem to challenge the children to succeed.
“We work with adults with special needs to learn skills that they need to become independent
citizens,” said Nielson. “They have a bakery, they have a print shop… and it’s a wonderful
organization. The Santa Stroll is one of the top fundraisers for Mychal’s over the years.’’
Prior to the event, Oh What Fun! was held at the Manhattan Village to promote the stroll on Dec.
4 from 1 to 4 p.m. The shopping event gave those who bought tickets discounts to several
stores, including Gorjana and Handels. At each store, participants could scan a code to spin a
wheel and win a prize. Participants could also buy a VIP ticket that gave them more deals and a
free gift bag.
“Our goal [was] to have the most number of Santa’s in the world in Hermosa Beach,” said
chairman of board of directors at Mychal’s Learning Place Suzan Karger. “The current record is
being held in Liverpool, and I don’t know how many thousands there are, but that’s our goal. At
this point we’re in the hundreds, but I have to tell you, it is so much fun seeing everyone wearing
a Santa outfit.”
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