MORGANTOWN — The University High School girls’ softball team got in the Christmas spirit Saturday morning when players hosted Breakfast with Santa in the school’s cafeteria.
The team worked together to turn the cafeteria into a winter wonderland for children to enjoy an early Christmas celebration.
Coach Mindy Parks and Penny Assif, one of the parents, said the idea came about because they thought doing the breakfast as a December fundraiser would be better than having players sell things to raise money for the team.
“First, we said photos with Santa, then it was like, let’s have a breakfast,” Assif said.
Parks said it was a group effort, targeting schools and preschools to get the word out to make the day a success.
“What we like as parents, and me as a coach, is the girls can actually work and participate in it and give back to the community with benefiting the team,” Parks said.
For breakfast, kids had pancakes and sausage. They could make “reindeer food” and Santa bags, hear a story, as well as get a photo with St. Nick himself.
“They get a lot so I think it turned out nice,” Assif said.
The money will go to needs of the team, equipment, uniforms and taking trips to play in tournaments, Parks said.
A lot of work went on behind the scene, and it was one of the larger fundraisers the softball team has hosted. Parks hopes to see it become a yearly event.
“All the girls help. We came last night and decorated, so it went great,” Assif said.
Assif and Parks thanked everyone who helped make the fundraiser possible and supported the girls’ softball program. Each class donated a basket to be raffled.
“The community is what makes these events happen. We can drive it, we can start it, but they fund it,” Parks said.
The coach was happy to see so many UHS alumni at Breakfast with Santa.
“It’s nice to see them and they’re coming back with children, so that’s what’s really nice. You’re seeing the alumni support the school and the program,” Parks said.
