Courtesy of Nancy Fralin.

Breakfast with Santa is co-chaired by Salem resident Jackie Smith

Child Health Investment Partnership’s (CHIP) Breakfast with Santa has been embraced by families in the Roanoke Valley as a way to celebrate the holidays together, to support a wonderful local charity, and to begin teaching the concept of promoting social and community responsibility to their children.

“It has really become a cherished family tradition for families and children attending,” states Robin Haldiman, CHIP’s Executive Director. “Parents especially like that children are encouraged to bring an unwrapped developmental toy for an under-privileged CHIP child.”

As a social occasion, this event has grown dramatically since Catherine McCollough, former Roanoke Cox Communications General Manager, introduced it.  The first year this event was held there were 89 people in attendance. Now there are normally over 500 people in attendance. The event is planned all year long by a committee of dedicated volunteers.

“We are overwhelmed by the enthusiasm in which Roanoke Valley businesses and families have supported this event,” states Jackie Smith, Co-Chair for the event [and Salem resident].  “The Breakfast with Santa at Hotel Roanoke is an experience that rivals holiday events held in Atlanta, Washington D.C. and New York.”

“Our volunteers work all year for this day.  In my opinion, no event comes close to the holiday experience and joy of giving that the CHIP Breakfast with Santa offers,” states Donna Batzel, Co-Chair for the event.

Breakfast with Santa takes place on Saturday, Dec. 15 at the Hotel Roanoke, in the Roanoke Ballroom. Seatings are at 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.Reserve your seating through CHIP’s website at www.chiprv.org or by calling the CHIP Development Office at 540-857-6993, ext. 131.  Tickets for adults are $38.50; $25 for children (children two and under are free).

A free picture with Santa by Tom Tanner and Photo USA will be available for each paying adult.

Submitted by Nancy Fralin.

Read on for more information about CHIP.

CHIP of Roanoke Valley promotes the health of medically under-served children within the greater Roanoke Valley by ensuring comprehensive health care, strengthening families, and coordinating community resources.  Each CHIP child is assigned a private physician and dentist from a network of local practitioners.  This medical home allows CHIP families access to primary health care 24 hours a day.  All enrolled children are placed in the care of a CHIP community health nurse.  CHIP nurses remind families to keep medical appointments, help ensure that prescriptions are filled and taken as prescribed, and provide special assistance to the families of CHIP children who suffer from chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and HIV.  CHIP staff also educate families on issues such as housing, nutrition, education, employment and parenting skills, helping families provide stable, safe and nurturing environments for their children.