RECORD ATTENDANCE AT REALTOR CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY
REDDING LIFESTYLES, SHASTA COUNTY
December 10th, 2008
For nearly 40 years now, the Shasta Association of 
Realtors has organized a party for children of Shasta County with developmental disabilities. A record crowd of nearly 300 children attended this years party held at the Redding Elks Lodge. The school teachers are allowed to select gifts at a designated toy store for each of their students with special 
needs and the Realtors pick up the tab. Affiliate members including title and escrow company employees, mortgage bankers and brokers join with Realtors in planning, set-up, decorating and cleaning up afterward. The Elks kindly donate their lodge for this annual event and area businesses provide cookies and sugar-free punch gratis.
The party has its roots in the early 1970’s when a Realtor members’ daughter was in need of a wheelchair. Realtors 
chipped in and bought a wheelchair and had a small party for her and her friends to celebrate. A good time was had by one and all and it was decided this party should be an annual tradition. And so it has!
The kids arrived and were greeted by Tigger, Smokey The Bear, McGruff the Crime Dog and other mascots from local businesses. Once seated they sang Christmas carols until Santa and Mrs. Claus appeared. Their elves delivered bags full of presents to every school teacher. The kids opened their presents and were invited on stage to sit with 
Santa and Mrs. Claus before the party concluded and the kids headed back to school.
The Realtors and Affiliates enjoy putting on this holiday party as much or more than the kids partaking in the event. I’ve been told over the years that the gift they receive at this party may be the only gift they get for Christmas. Just one more reason to continue this long tradition!
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
