‘I want them to leave with memories.’ North Pole comes to Palmetto for sick children
Christmas came early to Manatee County, and for 400 sick or disabled children, it was a joyful experience.
The 37th annual Flight to the North Pole drew 200 families, some with terminally ill children, for a winter wonderland Friday at Feld Entertainment headquarters in Palmetto.
Kids encountered elves making balloon animals with festive themes, snowy Christmas trees, Christmas carolers, and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The event also featured arts and crafts and food. At the end, each child received a gift from Santa and gift cards to take home.
This year, the event was run by community volunteers, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota/Bradenton Airport Fire Department, Feld Entertainment, and the Ferrari Club of Sarasota, which helped raise money for the festivities.
“I want them to leave with memories because some won’t make it to next year. We lost three children this year,” said Sidney Ettedgui, a member of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office who serves as president of Flight to the North Pole “I want them to come and enjoy and leave with good memories no matter what illness they have.”
Many of the families at the event have attended for years.
Jackie Phillips of Bradenton was there Friday with her mother, Michelle, and three children, Bradley, 21, Shawn, 15, and Sarah Philips, 12. Bradley and Sarah have ADHD and intellectual disabilities and Shawn is autistic.
Someone told Phillips about the event five years ago, when the family was struggling financially, and she has taken her children to it every year since. They look forward to going to lift their spirits during the holiday season.
“This is a wonderful event that they do, and I watch all the children, who are so happy to see Santa and everything. I think it’s wonderful that they give to the kids and that the event gives them something to look forward to,” Phillips said while at the arts and craft table with her children.
“It gives them something to believe in and raises their spirits and hopes. No matter how different they are, they count, too. That’s what matters.”
This story was originally published December 9, 2022 at 2:58 PM.
