Started about 8 years ago, six people, basically bull****ting and drinking beer! Next year more showed up.......then more and more. Now it is about a hundred!! We were having too much fun! Felt guilty. So I decided about five years ago, while at one of the parties, drinking with some of the dregs of the earth, me included, to charge admission. Everyone that wants to get in has to bring a toy for a boy or girl, ages 5 to 12. Schuyler County has an organization called Seneca Santa. Christmas Morning the Watkins Glen Fire Dept. delivers these toys to the homes of underprivilaged children in the county. Last year I took two pick ups full of toys to Seneca Santa, of course this is after I go through them to see if there something I like! My cousin supplies the food. Fresh venison roast, stuffed with crab meat, lobster, and other stuff, home made sausage and rolls, venison hot dogs, fresh lake trout and smelt, wild turkey and a special, scallops, wraped with thin sliced tenderloin, dipped in white wne and grilled. Grills, deep friers are set up right at the shop, all cooked right here. State Police, Sheriffs and village police are here. Invited them so they are associated with the "crime". Kegs of beer flow freely. Costs me some bucks, but thinking of the looks on those kids faces makes it worth it!
This is what I send out: I you want to come by, let me know! Posted by cheryl nordby (Member # 1100) on :
That's the Spirit Tony! Posted by Don Coplen (Member # 127) on :
If I had a little one, I'd tell him that Santa lives in New York! My hat's off to ya, Tony!
Two truckloads of toys for kids that need them? Now, how cool is that? I'll betcha ya put a smile on some grownup's faces, too!
[ December 02, 2002, 06:33 PM: Message edited by: Don Coplen ]
Posted by Tony Vickio (Member # 2265) on :
The toy thing has realy grown! I have two people coming to the shop today to drop off toys because they can not make the party Saturday.
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
BUMP! Almost missed this post myself, & I thought I checked pretty regularly, so put it back up in view for those that may be able to attend. If I was still in NYC, I would most definintly check out your party Tony. Looks like a first class excuse to drink some brews!
Posted by Neil D. Butler (Member # 661) on :
Fantastic Idea Tony, wish I could attend.
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
My travel agent can't come up with affordable air fare to get there on time. Maybe next year. Thanks.
Posted by Tony Vickio (Member # 2265) on :
Wish you all could be here! I have a cousin (he's not right)flying up from Houston, TX on Friday and going back on Sunday, to attend the party! I will post photos next week of the party.
Tony
Posted by Chris Elliott (Member # 1262) on :
Fantastic idea Tony!! I'd love to be there but am having the same trouble with travel arraingments that Rick is, so I'm dropping a small donation in the mail today, Thanks for the reminder of the real reason for the season!! Posted by Tony Vickio (Member # 2265) on :
Chris, the kids will appreciate your contribution!! I hope they still believe there is a Santa. (I stiil do!) Seneca Santa is an organization that covers Schuyler County only (where I live). I personally know all of the organizers, all are volunteer and 100% of everything they collect goes to the underprivilaged children in this county. Like I said, I started this Christmas party as a beer drinking bull session! Now it bumped up a to another level.
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