Frank DeLape of Six Diamond Resorts International has spent the last nine Christmases playing the role of Santa Clause for the children of The Bridge.The joy these children experience coupled with the look of relief on the faces of their mothers.
HOUSTON,TEXAS, Jan 04,2008–As the children sang “Santa Clause is coming to Town,†a familiar figure appeared at the door of “The Bridge†family crisis shelter, with an overflowing bag of gifts in tow. Frank DeLape of Six Diamond Resorts International has spent the last nine Christmases playing the role of Santa Clause for the children of The Bridge; fulfilling the request of each child’s “#1 wish-giftâ€. Delape articulates, “The joy these children experience coupled with the look of relief on the faces of their mothers – who are doing something so truly courageous, is really what giving back is all about.â€
Frank was joined by his wife, Kimberly DeLape, and together they spread goodwill and hope to all of the families at The Bridge. “These children and their mothers are literally driven from their homes with nothing but the clothing on their back by an abusive husband and father†DeLape declares. He continues to explain that “Christmas can be the most difficult time of the year for them It is important to show the children and their mothers that amidst all they’ve been through, there is still magic in the world and Santa will come to fulfill their wish.†Indeed, wishes were fulfilled; the festivities included cookies, candy canes, musicians, hugs from Santa, and of course presents. Each child was called forth one at a time to receive the Christmas gift they asked for in letters to Santa earlier this month. “We don’t say no to any request – we’ve given everything from laptops to Nike sneakers to the age-old Cabbage Patch Kid.†Tears of joy were shed by the families, the SDRI “elves†and the wonderful staff of The Bridge shelter, as the children were able to enjoy a rare moment of “normalcyâ€.
The Bridge was incorporated in 1978 as a non-profit shelter program offering a family-like atmosphere for women and children in crisis situations. Today it is one of the largest crisis centers in Texas providing education and prevention services, counseling and legal advocacy, rape crisis and victim assistance services to more than 20,000 people annually.
The offices of Six Diamond Resorts International were transformed into Santa’s workshop during the month of December, filled with bright paper, bows, boxes and many presents. Belinda Long, Frank DeLape’s executive assistant, took great care to check Santa’s list twice and ensure all was in order for the children at The Bridge as well as coordinate Santa’s appearance earlier this month in Panama. SDRI also hosted “Santa’s Christmas Wish Night†at the Malumbo Orphanage in Arraijan, Panama. Santa once again made an appearance with cake, pizza, and clowns, and the 150 children received two personalized gifts each. This was the second year the DeLapes visited these beautiful children, and the event has now been added as one of Santa’s annual appearances.
If you would like to become involved Contact The Bridge at: The Bridge Over Troubled Waters Inc. P. O. Box 3488, Pasadena, Texas 77501. Their office phone is 713-472-0753 and their 24-hour hotline is 713-472-2801 or visit their website at http://www.tbotw.org
About the Malambo Orphanage:
The San Jose de Malambo orphanage was founded in 1890 and has been in operation for more than 116 years. The administration of the orphanage is managed by the Daughters of Saint Vincent. The orphanage houses 150 children, 27 of who are infected with the HIV virus. Their phone number is 011 (507) 259-9186. If you would like to make a donation, send to: P.O. Box 09816-07257, Panama or contact [email protected]
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Contact:
Frank DeLape
The Bridge Over Troubled Waters Inc
P. O. Box 3488,
Pasadena, Texas 77501
713-472-0753
[email protected]
http://www.tbotw.org
