ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
"We haven't missed a Saturday in 19 years," said Senior Master Sgt.
(ret.) David Lutzow, Children and Parents Fighting Cancer co-chairman.
That's how many consecutive years, without fail, the Fisher House has hosted the annual Children and Parents Fighting Cancer Christmas party.
"The party was held on Dec. 2.
"It's always the first Saturday of December," said Janet Grampp, Fisher House director and event co-chairman.
The event has been a yearly occurrence since 1987.
The origin of the party began back in 1987, with a crewmember from the 89th Military Airlift Wing whose child had been diagnosed with cancer, said Mrs. Grampp.
"When the 89 MAW started hosting the parties funding did not exist," she said. "Base organizations pooled their resources to put on the party each year. In the early '90s, we became chartered on base as a private organization under the name of Parents and Children Fighting Cancer Christmas Party and qualified to receive Combined Federal Campaign funding."
The funding from the CFC and money provided by the Fisher House allowed the volunteers to purchase enough food to feed more than 103 children and their families.
Just like every year, children were able to run around and enjoy themselves by exploring the static displays.
The event, which was held in Hangar 3 provided enough room to house a fire truck, security forces patrol car, a UH-1N Huey, ambulance, a Special Airlift Mission aircraft as well as enough room to set up a stage area for a dance performance, puppet show and for children to line up and sit on Santa's lap.
"The entertainment is donated by the different performance groups,"
said Mrs. Grampp. "A children's theater group, the Port Tobacco Encore Kids, comes from Southern Maryland. The puppet show by the Berryville Baptist Rascals is from Berryville, Va. and Kids R Music from the Andrews Youth Center join us each year."
More than 200 volunteers ranging from Airman to captain spent countless hours over two days to prepare the hangar for the Christmas party and to prepare the stage for performances by several organizations as entertainment during the party.
"I volunteered to help to be involved with the Andrews' community during the holiday season," said Airman Sarah Harris, 89th Communications Squadron radio operator. "A close friend of the family died to cancer, which also encouraged me to assist with the party."
All volunteers actively participated in providing entertainment or services to the children and families. Some volunteers served food, while others created holiday arts and crafts for the children to have.
"We served a meal that included turkey, ham and all the trimmings,"
said the director. "We have cakes, cookie and other holiday treats donated by volunteers and businesses."
Food purchased by the Fisher House was prepared by The Club at Andrews.
During the festivities children received a special visit and had opportunities to take pictures with Spongebob Squarepants, Sparky the fire dog, SAM Fox, McGruff the crime dog, Bob the Builder and Wing-Nut the clown.
After the food, children watched as performers entertained them with a dance and puppet show as well as explored the static displays provided by several squadrons here before Santa entered with an escort of elves and Mrs. Claus.
"Each year, we simultaneously send a team to include Santa, Mrs. Claus, a couple of elves, gifts and refreshments to the pediatric oncology ward at Walter Reed Army Medical Center for the children who are not well enough to come to Andrews," said Mrs. Grampp. "Nobody is left out.
"The parents are so thankful and tell us how meaningful and anticipated this party is for their families. It is most rewarding to give them a day to remember, and we're always thankful for the families who are able to return the following year."