Jim and Ann Steinmetz have been a happily married couple for over 45 years and are now aka Santa and Mrs. Claus. Jim actually began as Santa and in 2004, as a volunteer for the annual Xmas party for the Orange County Woodworkers Association. He made such a convincing Santa that several people told him he should become a professional for hire. However, Ann latched onto a much better idea. Why couldn’t Santa Jim use this newly discovered talent as a vehicle for fund raising for Ann’s favorite charity, Breast Cancer Angels? And so began Claus for a Cause!
Jim and Ann attended a comprehensive Santa Claus training seminar that was actually held at the University of Southern California. With Jim now sporting his “real beard” and along with their University of Santa Claus (USC) certificates in hand, they were ready for the next step. Ann made Santa a new velvet suit and then put together her outfit. She assembled a complete library of Christmas stories to read to the children and added some special surprises such as “Santa’s Big Book” and now they were ready for their first Christmas season.
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It has been so much fun adding little special details to each visit. Every child is different and unique so you never know what may happen or what may come from that wish list or be captured in a picture. We could write a book about some of our situations. They are priceless! You can never forget the smiles and laughter that come from a child after a visit with Santa. Even the occasional child who provides the unforgettable tearful terror picture is priceless. We wouldn’t change those moments for anything.
Besides the fundraising events we are fortunate enough to provide our services for a few visits that are extra special. The Children’s Ward at The City of Hope, Thanksgiving Day Breakfast for Orangewood Children’s Home and the Kirkwood Assisted
Living Home. were three of our favorites from last year and of course the children’s party at Boomers for the families of the women in treatment from Breast Cancer Angels tops our list.
We can’t tell you about us without including the rest of our family. We have three wonderful children who are married and live nearby. We have eight grandchildren ranging in age from 7 to 23. They have all helped us in one way or the other with our project and needless to say we are a thousand times blessed! Our oldest grand daughter is pictured with Santa as his favorite elf,(Miss Monica), in our picture gallery.
About Us
The Story of Claus for a Cause
Jim and Ann Steinmetz have been a happily married couple for over 45 years and are now aka Santa and Mrs. Claus. Jim actually began as Santa and in 2004, as a volunteer for the annual Xmas party for the Orange County Woodworkers Association. He made such a convincing Santa that several people told him he should become a professional for hire. However, Ann latched onto a much better idea. Why couldn’t Santa Jim use this newly discovered talent as a vehicle for fund raising for Ann’s favorite charity, Breast Cancer Angels? And so began Claus for a Cause!
…
It has been so much fun adding little special details to each visit. Every child is different and unique so you never know what may happen or what may come from that wish list or be captured in a picture. We could write a book about some of our situations. They are priceless! You can never forget the smiles and laughter that come from a child after a visit with Santa. Even the occasional child who provides the unforgettable tearful terror picture is priceless. We wouldn’t change those moments for anything.
Besides the fundraising events we are fortunate enough to provide our services for a few visits that are extra special. The Children’s Ward at The City of Hope, Thanksgiving Day Breakfast for Orangewood Children’s Home and the Kirkwood Assisted
Living Home. were three of our favorites from last year and of course the children’s party at Boomers for the families of the women in treatment from Breast Cancer Angels tops our list.
We can’t tell you about us without including the rest of our family. We have three wonderful children who are married and live nearby. We have eight grandchildren ranging in age from 7 to 23. They have all helped us in one way or the other with our project and needless to say we are a thousand times blessed! Our oldest grand daughter is pictured with Santa as his favorite elf,(Miss Monica), in our picture gallery.