Yaneli Alonso-Leal is overcome with emotion as she meets Santa and Mrs. Claus at the 39th Annual Flight to the North Pole program presented by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Sarasota/Bradenton Airport Fire Dept. and Feld Entertainment.
Tiffany Tompkins
ttompkins@bradenton.com
Ellenton
Giggles and gasps of delight joined Santa’s belly laughs as smiling children met with the jolly man in red at Feld Entertainment in Ellenton.
Janeli Alonso-Leal couldn’t hide her excitement Friday morning as she greeted Santa beside a sparkling Christmas tree and piles of colorful boxes topped with bows.
Hundreds of families entered a world transformed into Christmas by Feld Entertainment for the 39th annual Flight to the North Pole for children with terminal illnesses and disabilities.
A tiny train circled a room filled with tasty treats and activities to the tune of holiday music.
Program president Sidney Ettedgui and Eastern Airline flight attendants started the program in 1985, and it has grown each year with help and support from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota Bradenton Airport Fire Department and Feld Entertainment.
Children enjoy treats and crafts at the 39th Annual Flight to the North Pole program presented by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Sarasota/Bradenton Airport Fire Dept. and Feld Entertainment. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
Giorgia Cramer waits in a line to see Santa at the 39th Annual Flight to the North Pole program presented by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Sarasota/Bradenton Airport Fire Dept. and Feld Entertainment. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
Jerry Lee Cooper III poses with Santa at the 39th Annual Flight to the North Pole program presented by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Sarasota/Bradenton Airport Fire Dept. and Feld Entertainment. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
Santa welcomes a child into a bear hug at the 39th Annual Flight to the North Pole program presented by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Sarasota/Bradenton Airport Fire Dept. and Feld Entertainment. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
Tiffany Tompkins is the Bradenton Herald’s Visual Lead; shooting, editing and producing photographs and videos for the newspaper and online since 1999. Tiffany is a graduate of State College of Florida.
