Cookies with Santa benefit is Saturday at Adele’s

The fourth annual Cookies with Santa, a benefit for Ron Wood Family Resource Center’s holiday fund, takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Café at Adele’s.

Children of all ages are invited to enjoy hot cider, hot chocolate and cookies, visit with and have their picture taken with Santa, and help provide Christmas for children in need.

“Cookies with Santa has been so successful each year, and this is an organization Karen and I feel strongly about supporting,” said Charlie Abowd, who is chef and co-owner of Café at Adele’s with his wife, Karen. “It grew from the idea that if we all do a little, we can make a huge difference, and today, the need is just as great as ever.”

Trent and Laurie Dowell provide the photography, donating their time and printing materials. There will be a slight change this year in how photos are done, he said. This year, families will receive their first photo at no cost and on site. Reprints will be available at Trent’s photo site, and proceeds from all orders will be donated to Ron Wood’s holiday fund.

Tom Strekal will be on hand to visit with the children, playing Santa.

Strekal, who fills this role for The Virginia & Truckee Railroad’s Polar Express and other venues, counts Cookies with Santa as one of his favorites.

“I look forward to it every year because it is an opportunity to establish a connection with the kids,” he said. “Even on The Polar Express, there may be a grumpy teenager who doesn’t want to be there and I get them to see it doesn’t hurt to smile or make the bell ring.”

Admission is $5 for adults and free for children. Every adult is asked to bring an unwrapped gift to be donated to help ensure all children have a gift this year.

Café at Adele’s is at 1112 N. Carson St. For more information, go to adelesrestaurantandlounge.com or call 775-882-3353.