Indianapolis, IN — The Indianapolis Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. will host its 25th Annual Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at Embassy Suites in Noblesville, IN. This milestone event will feature a Black Santa Claus, providing families with a joyful, culturally reflective holiday celebration centered around family, fun, and community. Families can expect a morning filled with activities, from a scavenger hunt and dancing to sensory-friendly options designed for all children to enjoy.
Julie Simonton, the inaugural chair fondly remembers the first installment. This event began in 1999 when the Indianapolis Chapter recognized the importance of creating a Santa experience that allowed African American children to see themselves reflected in holiday traditions. The inaugural Breakfast with Santa was held at The Westin Indianapolis, and over the years, the event has become a cherished annual gathering that brings families throughout the community together.
“We’re incredibly excited to celebrate 25 years of Breakfast with Santa,” event co-chair Valerie Gathers said. “Each year, our focus remains on creating a unique holiday experience for families, with traditions that celebrate our culture and uplift our community.”
Adding to the festivities is a showcase of Black-owned businesses, giving guests the chance to shop and support local vendors with unique holiday gift options. Attendees can also enjoy family photos, holiday music and interactive activities. To ensure accessibility for all, the event includes sensory-friendly activities, allowing families to participate in an inclusive and welcoming environment.
“Our vision for Breakfast with Santa has always been to create an event where children of all backgrounds can come together and celebrate in a space that is fun and represents them,” added event co-chair Nichole Wilson. “This year’s event is even more special, as we celebrate our history and look to build on it for future generations.”
This year’s Breakfast with Santa also includes a community service component that will welcome children and families from the Boys and Girls Club of Indianapolis to the event and provide complimentary tickets.
The event chairs, Valerie Gathers and Nichole Wilson, have worked closely with Chapter President Nneka T. Breaux to design an event that not only brings joy but also gives back to the Indianapolis community.
President Breaux shared, “Breakfast with Santa has always been about creating joy and fostering community, and this year, we’re excited to extend that spirit of giving to families who need it most.”
Tickets for Breakfast with Santa are open to the public, and families are encouraged to purchase early, as the event is expected to sell out quickly. Celebrate the holiday season with the Indianapolis Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. at a family-friendly morning filled with food, fun, and memories to last a lifetime.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit bit.ly/bwsindy24
About Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
Jack and Jill of America, Inc. was founded in 1938 with the mission of stimulating the growth and development of children through educational, cultural, civic, recreational, health and social programs inspired by mothers. Through more than 270 chapters organized in seven regions in seven regions across the United States, the organization consists of more than 70,000 family members which includes, mother members, fathers and children ages 2 through 19. Jack and Jill Chapters also support nonprofit organizations through its philanthropic arm, the Jack and Jill of America Foundation, among the first foundations established by African-American families in the United States. Since its founding in 1968, the Foundation has granted millions of dollars to worthy causes supporting children and families.
About the Indianapolis Chapter
The Indianapolis Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. chartered in 1951, is part of the Mid-Western Region, which includes 38 chapters in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, and St. Louis, Missouri. The Indianapolis Chapter was the 33rd chapter established nationally and the 7th chapter in the Mid-Western Region. Comprised of 65 dedicated mother members and their families, the Indianapolis Chapter proudly upholds the Jack and Jill mission of fostering the growth and development of children through impactful educational, cultural, civic, recreational, health
and social programs.
