In partnership with The Repository, every Monday, Stark Community Foundation highlights positive happenings in our community. Here’s to Good News Mondays!
For over a decade, Belden Village Mall has hosted its annual Soothing Santa event, offering a quieter, more comfortable holiday experience for families of all ages and abilities, particularly those with sensory sensitivities.
Sponsored by The Golden Key Center for Exceptional Children, this event provides a unique opportunity for children and their families to meet Santa in a calming, inclusive setting.
The Soothing Santa tradition began in 2013 when Gina Bannevich, then the mall’s marketing director, saw how difficult it was for her young son, Dominick, to visit Santa with his sister, Giavonna, due to his sensory challenges. At the time, Bannevich’s family was still early in their journey with autism.
Belden Village Mall has partnered with The Golden Key Center for Exceptional Children each year to create an inclusive and supportive environment. The local, non-public special needs charter school serving the needs of children with Autism and other developmental disabilities assists families by providing sensory-friendly activities and offering guidance during the visit with Santa.
Over the years, Soothing Santa has gained widespread attention, including a viral moment when a heartfelt photo from the event was shared in the press.
“Soothing Santa is actually one of my proudest accomplishments,” Bannevich added.
Today, Bannevich’s role has come full circle. She is now The Golden Key Center for Exceptional Children’s executive director, the very organization that sponsors the event she created.
“It is nice that my connection is in the reverse now, and that we still get to be a part of the event,” added Bannevich. “More importantly, the families who need an understanding environment continue to have access to it, especially after 11 years.”
Lisa Kreiger, marketing and business development director for Belden Village Mall, said while the 2024 Soothing Santa events scheduled for Dec. 7 and 14 are at capacity, but there are still opportunities to visit Santa at the mall through Dec. 24.
For those interested in attending next year’s Soothing Santa events, Kreiger encourages families to check Belden Village Mall’s website at www.beldenvillagemall.com in early November for details and registration information.
“The Soothing Santa experience is a very special visit for our little ones and their families,” said Kreiger. “It is their chance to create lasting memories with Santa and enjoy the magic of the holidays. Our sincere thanks to Gina Bannevich and The Golden Key for sponsoring the event and providing loving care for each and every family.”
Stark Community Foundation helps individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits achieve their philanthropic goals through a variety of charitable funds and strategic initiatives. Ranked in the top 10% of community foundations in the country, the foundation and its family of donors have granted more than $250 million to nonprofits since 1963. Learn more at www.starkcf.org.
