Every Child’s Dream
February 1, 2024
On Friday, December 15, 2023, after months of planning and preparation, Sayville High School welcomed over 600 guests for the annual Every Child’s Dream Holiday Dinner.
The event, held at the high school since 2010, invites children and families to “a little Christmas” they might not otherwise experience. The entire school is turned into a “winter wonderland” for the event.
Student Government advisor Ms. Kathy VanDorn said that preparation for the big night begins in the summer.
Student Government takes the lead for the event with all the high school's clubs and organizations contributing.
The special night featured an ice cream sundae bar, balloon animals, coloring, a DJ, dancing, a photographer, face painting, fire trucks for children to sit in, a clothing boutique, childcare for families while they browsed the boutique and, of course, a delicious dinner. Each child had the opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap, talk to him and receive a gift. In addition, children were able to go through the “Candy Shop” and fill a goodie bag with their choice of candy. Suffolk Transportation generously donated three buses to provide transport to and from the event for attendees, while servers from local soup kitchens also donated their time.
Ms. VanDorn noted that while all grade levels at the high school participate in the event, students eagerly await their senior year when they have the opportunity to serve guests.
“It was a beautiful night that many of the families we served will never forget,” said Anchor Club advisor Kaitlyn Walsh. “It is truly heartwarming to see our students interact with the children and families and go out of their way to create such a wonderful experience for them.”
National Art Honor Society (NAHS) Advisor Jennifer Berotti agreed.
“It’s a lot of work but I think it’s important to spend so much time on the details because we want our guests to feel special,” Berotti said. “National Art Honor Society knows that their hard work gives that first magical impression to the hundreds of children who visit us.”
About Every Child’s Dream
The Annual Every Child’s Dream Community Holiday Dinner to give children and their families “a little Christmas” they might not otherwise experience, was conceived and launched in 2005 by the late Ken Mangan. Mr. Mangan recognized the shortfalls of public assistance that dealt with the homeless or economically disadvantaged in the community and felt compelled to act. Two not-for-profits: Every Child’s Dream founded by Mangan and Christmas Magic founded by Charlie Russo joined forces to create the holiday dinner, and after Mangan’s passing in 2019, both nonprofits have remained extraordinary legacies that inspire service. Karen Mangan and her family remain an integral part of the night each year.