Reindeer are not the only ones doing some flying around this month and helping spread holiday cheer. Santa Gus, after photographs with families and individuals at GSU in Statesboro Nov. 29, figuratively flew to Savannah, Atlanta, Macon, and Augusta on different dates through Thursday, Dec. 8.
He welcomed kids to sit on his lap or adults to pose with him for photographs at those locations. Frank Fortune took the photographs at the GSU event.
Santa Gus is a Grand Holiday Tradition for the Region and State
Jennifer Wise, Director of University Communications at GSU, said, “It has been great to see kids show up every year for Santa Gus. It has been heartwarming to see how many have made it a family tradition; some have been showing up for Santa Gus since its creation!”
In fact, the meet and greets have been going on for a number of years at GSU and around the state, but there was a special addition to the festivities this year.
Event Raised Hundreds of Dollars Through an Inexpensive Fundraiser
His visits not only brought many holiday spirit but also brought hundreds of dollars for scholarships for GSU students, as the visits included fundraising this year. For $5 apiece, families could get digital photos with the eagle mascot dressed as Santa Claus in the GSU colors, some treats, and more.
Wise said, “This is the first year we are adding a fundraising component to Santa Gus.”
Gauging from the total raised, approximately 200 individuals or more visited Santa Gus at various locations.
“We are on track to raise more than $1,000 for student scholarships from all of our Santa GUS events this year,” Wise said.
