November 13, 2024. Marlton, New Jersey -- Cherry Hill Programs and Autism Speaks Inc. announce the continuation of their Santa Cares events, most events set to take place across the United States on Sunday, December 8, 2024. Designed to offer sensory-friendly Santa Magic photo experiences, Santa Cares events allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy Santa Magic photo experiences in an inclusive environment.
With exclusive access to Santa outside regular venue hours, Santa Cares aims to create an accessible holiday experience for people with autism. Sensory triggers are minimized by reducing crowd sizes, decreasing wait times, and ensuring lighting and music are set at comfortable levels. Santa and other staff are expertly trained to understand and cater to the needs of individuals with special needs and their families.
Cherry Hill Programs, a leader in experiential photography, has a long-standing tradition of providing memorable Santa Magic photo sessions for families across North America. In partnership with Autism Speaks, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with autism through research, advocacy, programs and services, these special Santa Cares events aim to foster unforgettable holiday memories for all families.
"At Cherry Hill Programs, our commitment to the community drives us to create photo experiences that are welcoming and accessible for all," said Chris Landtroop, Vice President of Marketing and Communications. "Partnering with Autism Speaks enables us to bring an even more inclusive and meaningful holiday experience to families with special needs, making the season memorable for everyone."
Jennifer Schell Podoll, Autism Speaks' Senior VP of Constituent Engagement, underscored, "We need more organizations like Cherry Hill Programs to actively create opportunities for people of different abilities, and especially people with autism. Inclusive environments foster a sense of belonging and acceptance within communities, serving as a foundation for personal growth, mutual respect, and societal progress. These are principles held dear at Autism Speaks.”
Demonstrating their commitment to philanthropy, Cherry Hill Programs has raised over $1M in support of Autism Speaks since 2015. The tradition continues as Santa arrives at hundreds of locations across the United States. Reservations for the 2024 season opened July 25, 2024 and extend the opportunity for participants to contribute to Autism Speaks directly at checkout.
In collaboration with Portable North Pole, Cherry Hill Programs is adding more sparkle to the Santa experience with free personalized messages from Santa with every reservation and a complimentary post-visit video from the North Pole. In addition, CHP’s strategic partnership with Shutterfly will provide each guest with 10 complimentary holiday cards after their Santa visit and 50% off their order at Shutterfly.
To find a participating location and register for the Santa Cares events, visit whereissanta.com. While registration is free for sensory-friendly events, photo packages are available for purchase after the Santa experience.
About Cherry Hill Programs
Cherry Hill Programs captures the Magic to celebrate moments for a lifetime. In partnership with famous landmarks, attractions, and signature retail venues across North America, CHP is the industry-leader in experiential holiday and souvenir photography. Through a combination of proprietary reservation software, innovative technology, accessible download portals, and complete photography operation implementation – from recruiting and training to collaborative marketing – our mission is simple: to bring magic to every experience. Learn more at cherryhillprograms.com.
About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. We do this through advocacy, services, supports, research and innovation, and advances in care for autistic individuals and their families. promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. To find resources, join an event or make a donation, go to AutismSpeaks.org. Learn more by following @AutismSpeaks on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Contacts
Cherry Hill Programs
Chris Landtroop | Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Autism Speaks
Francesca Cascardo | Senior Manager Communications & Public Relations