November 20, 2023. Marlton, New Jersey – Cherry Hill Programs (CHP) and Autism Speaks Inc. announce the continuation of their Santa Cares events, designed to offer sensory-friendly Santa photo experiences for individuals with autism. These events are set to take place across North America on International Day of Persons with Disabilities that is observed on Sunday, December 3, 2023.
With exclusive access to Santa outside regular shopping hours, Santa Cares aims to create an accessible holiday experience for people with autism and other special needs. Sensory triggers are minimized by reducing crowd sizes, decreasing wait times, and ensuring lighting and music are set at comfortable levels. Santa and CHP holiday staff are expertly trained to understand and cater to the needs of individuals with special needs and their families.
Cherry Hill Programs, the leader in experiential photography, has a long-standing tradition of providing memorable Santa photo experiences for families and friends 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.
"As a community-focused company committed to social responsibility, we strive to make our photo experiences more accessible and enjoyable for everyone," expressed Chris Landtroop, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Cherry Hill Programs. "Our collaboration with Autism Speaks allows us to make the holiday season more inclusive and memorable for families with special needs."
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 $1.6M in support of Autism Speaks since they launched their partnership in 2015. The tradition continues as reservations for this year's event will extend the opportunity for participants to contribute to Autism Speaks directly online and onsite at checkout.
In collaboration with Portable North Pole, Cherry Hill Programs adds more sparkle to the event by offering a free, personalized phone call from Santa with every reservation and a complimentary post-visit video from the North Pole for all guests who visit Santa this holiday season.
To find participating locations, visit santacares.whereissanta.com. To register for a Santa Cares event, visit whereissanta.com. While registration is free, CHP offers a variety of photo packages 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. Learn more by following @CreateHolidayMagic on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest and @CherryHillPrograms on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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. To find resources, join an event or make a donation, go to autismspeaks.org. Learn more by following @AutismSpeaks on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Contacts
Cherry Hill Programs
Chris Landtroop, Vice President | Marketing & Communications
Autism Speaks
Francesca Cascardo, Manager Communications & Public Relations