Each year when Chris Beach hosts Father Christmas, he makes sure to bring a box of tissues. The event, held every December to recognize dads who take an active role in the lives of their children, families, and communities, is always an emotional experience.
“It is an opportunity to take the stress off of dads who are working hard by giving them a hand up, not a hand out,” says Beach, noting the event started in 2015 when he joined the Fatherhood Foundation of Virginia and it came to light that many dads don’t qualify for other holiday programs.
With all the added financial responsibilities surrounding the holidays, dads may begin to struggle, wondering where they will get the extra money they need for Christmas. “That is why it was started — to help those dads take an active role in their children’s lives and to provide extra support for the holidays,” says Beach, the father of four sons.
How Father Christmas Got Its Start
The first year of Father Christmas, the Richmond Christmas Mother, Katherine Wintsch, gifted the organization the funds to honor fifteen dads who received $100 gift cards, haircuts, car washes, and oil changes. The nominator and the dad were both invited to a luncheon at the Jefferson Hotel.
“The Jefferson worked with us to provide an amazing meal, desserts, and a venue perfect for the holidays. As each nominator shared why they nominated the dad, you could see the dad’s pride in what they do,” Beach says. “We had dads who were nominated by a friend, their mom, spouse, guidance counselor and coworker. It was an amazing event.”
All of the fathers were appreciative, he adds. “One said he felt weird being rewarded for just doing what is right for his children. Another dad had just lost everything he had in an apartment fire. One of the recipients heard that story and gave his card to that dad bringing tears to that dad’s eyes. Of course, we got the generous dad another card for his kind gesture, but it is a perfect picture of how dads take care of people.”
One year the organization honored a dad whose two-year-old daughter was battling cancer. The dad was dealing with an injury as well, but still did everything for his daughter.
“We found out that next February that it was that little girl’s last Santa visit and because of our gift, they had the best Christmas ever,” Beach says.
Another dad had lost both his job and house during the Covid pandemic. He and his three children had to move in with another family member in a one-bedroom house. “The children had mattresses on their list for Santa. We took the family shopping to get them the toys they wanted and our organization took care of the mattresses for each of the children with sheets, comforters, and pillows,” Beach says.
Evolution of Father Christmas Program
For the past three years, the organization has honored twenty-five dads with presents and $500 each. All of the nominations originate from the community.
During the pandemic, the organization pivoted and held a drive-through Santa visit. Santa came up to the car, spoke to the kids, and asked them what they wanted for Christmas and then turned his attention to dad. Santa then informed each dad that everyone was there to recognize him.
“When Santa hands dad the $500 in cash, there are tears, disbelief and every emotion you can imagine,” says Beach.
Because of the tougher-than-usual times during Covid, the organization decided to have people adopt families and take care of all of the presents for the children. Today, the event is billed as a personal visit with Santa.
“Santa talks to the children and then turns his attention to dad and gives him the $500. After the visit, they go into the next room where helpers are waiting with wrapped presents to take out to their car,” Beach says. “On their way out, each person is given dinner donated by Chick-fil-A. The whole process takes about fifteen minutes, but the memory lasts a lifetime.”
In addition, many businesses sponsor a dad and adopt the family.
“One business makes it their Christmas party. All of the employees bring gifts to their office party, they wrap all of the presents and then they deliver the gifts to the event,” Beach says. “Last year, for the first time, we had a business sponsor the event. They provided t-shirts, banners, supplies, volunteers, and gave new winter coats to each dad. This is a great way to give back to the amazing men in our community.”
Identifying and Helping Local Dads
Any dad in Virginia is eligible to be nominated. To nominate, visit the Fatherhood Foundation before November 24.
“This year‘s event is December 14 and we will be choosing at least twenty-five dads, maybe more,” Beach says. “My wife and four boys look forward to helping out with this event this year. We all feel that this event starts the Christmas holiday for our family as there is nothing better than giving to others on Christmas.”
