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Spring Family Fun Day
March 24, 2012
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May 17-20, 2012
Fall Family Fun Day
October 13, 2012
Christmas Family Day
December 1, 2012
Teen Weekend
Date To Be Announced
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This weekend evolved after we fulfilled a special wish for a child who wanted to go to the beach before she died. The family had a wonderful time and many memories were created. So we decided to do it for all our Friends of Santa Claus families. On a chilly Friday afternoon in January, 51 families boarded 4 buses in Asheville and headed to Charleston for the 8th Annual Wild Dunes Get-Away Weekend.
For many participants the fun started as soon as the buses left the Biltmore Square Mall parking lot. They settled down to watch movies while munching on treats from their goody bags and renewing friendships. And if getting to ride a luxury touring bus was not enough, the kids loved being greeted by the police cars and flashing lights as they escorted the buses to Wild Dunes Resort.
Once they arrived, the real fun started!!! After checking in to their hotel rooms at the 5-star Boardwalk Inn, on the ocean, we all met for a pizza party with music and dancing. Then, off to bed to let everyone get ready for the big day.
And what a day it was!! After breakfast, provided by Wild Dunes, the children and a group of extra-special counselors headed off to Chuck-E-Cheese for games and a dance with Chuck-E. Then off to a bowling alley to show off their expertise on the lanes. While the kids were off having fun, the parents were given $75.00 to spend on anything they wanted and they headed into Charleston for Palmetto Carriage Tours, shopping and lunch. Many of the moms and dads commented that just being able to spend a day together away from the everyday grind, knowing their children were having lots of fun on their own, was a treat.
Once back at the resort, Charlotte's house was transformed for the girls to have their hair styled and their nails manicured. Moms were treated to facials, massages and a cup of home-brewed cappucino. A new and “first” experience for many of the moms!! “I have not been this relaxed in months” said one mom as she strolled out of the facial room.
The ocean was beautiful and many of the families had a chance to take a walk and collect shells before heading back for the Saturday night bash.
The evening festivities started with Ronnie Johnson singing and getting everyone out on the dance floor to party. And guess who came to the party? Yep, your guessed it. None other than our friend Santa Claus. He gave hugs, candy and presents to each child and their family.
On Sunday morning, no one wanted to leave, but the double decker ice cream cones, donated by Marble Slab, made parting an especially sweet sorrow. By 11 am, the buses, loaded with very tired families, bid farewell to three days in paradise and headed back home.
Check out our Photo Galleries for more pictures from our Get Away Weekends!
