There was no slowing Santa for annual photo event
Many holiday events were cancelled last Saturday due to thunder, lightening and flood warnings — but it didn’t deter Santa from appearing at seven places simultaneously for the 28th annual John Daugherty, Realtors “Photos with Santa” event.
Hundreds of children (including more than a few of the furry, fourlegged variety) turned out at Southside Place Park, River Oaks Park, The Post Oak Shopping Center in Tanglewood, Memorial Drive Baptist Church, Donovan Park in the Heights, Briargrove Park and Tupelo Park in The Woodlands.
Agent elves from across the company assisted the Big Guy by wrangling children, coaxing smiles and taking photos in front of a backdrop featuring the best of local neighborhoods.
Elves noted that photos were made available at no cost for digital download and are always taken early in the month in time to share in holiday cards and letters.
“The holidays in Houston brings out the child in all of us,” said Cheri Fama, president and chief operating officer. “We all look forward to photos with Santa and catching up with friends and neighbors at the area events. It’s a time of joy and good cheer. And a fun way for our agents to be part of the holiday excitement.”
••• In another John Daugherty, Realtors show of community holiday spirit a few weeks back, agents Caroline O’Reardon and Ellen Wenske sponsored the Mad Potter art tile fundraiser at the Festival of Abilities at Oak Forest Park.
The pair stayed busy with a steady stream of young volunteer artists who painted the commemorative tiles to be used in an art installation onsite.
Caricature artist Tom Rye was also part of the fun and drew portraits of children and families.
The two agents have been very active in efforts to support the park and have hosted open houses that helped sell yard signs.
Oak Forest Park will be the seventh accessible playground in the city park system.
The event, hosted by Friends of Oak Forest, the Leather Apron Foundation and the Houston Parks Board, promoted activities that guests of all abilities could enjoy.
••• Ed Wolff, president of Beth Wolff Realtors Real Living, and his wife, Katy, who are both active supporters of the Texas Children’s Hospital, recently toured the work in progress at the Texas Medical Center’s main campus. The expansion will include the new Texas Children’s Heart Center.
Wolff said they both came away impressed with both the facility and what will occur there.
“The magnitude of the impact that Texas Children’s Hospital has on our community will be felt for generations,” Wolff said.
••• Martha Turner, Sotheby’s International Realty agent Bessie Wright stepped up with her First United Methodist Church Family near Lake Livingston to support the local Lions Club and with a spectacular “Trail of Treats” event supporting hundreds of local children — many of whom are from families facing economic challenges.
Wright said the Onalaska community is full of retirees and weekenders like herself who all came together for the day of celebration and sharing.
“The children dressed up and went from business to business to collect treats, then came to our church for a carnival and free hot dogs,” Wright said. Hundreds of hot dogs were quickly consumed as the children ignored the unseasonable heat of the day to indulge in the carnival offerings. Wright and her friend, Anna Townsend, ran a fishing booth.
The big finale was a room full of 32 bicycles and gifts collected by the Lions Club and distributed among the kids. Wright said she enjoys living and working in Houston and Onalaska.
“It’s a pleasure to live and work in both places.” Townsend added she enjoys selling both communities and enjoys the support of the MTSIR Woodlands office.
••• Be sure to get your information about the spirit and generosity of our real estate community in this holiday season for the next Real People to houstonrealnews@gmail.com.
Judi Griggs is a writer who lives in Houston in the winter and Buffalo in the summer — because the reverse would be ridiculous. Contact her at realnewshouston@gmail.com or through judigriggs.com.