Gateway Community College Annual Holiday Celebration brought holiday cheer

More than 400 residents of local New Haven Shelters enjoyed holiday festivities at Gateway Community College’s 8th Annual Holiday Celebration last week, officials said.


Above, Santa and Mrs. Claus and helpers make a grand entrance.


Guests were brought to the Long Wharf campus in busses, then treated to an evening of entertainment, holiday festivities and gourmet food prepared by the college’s culinary arts students, officials said.
More than 200 children received gifts from Santa and Mrs. Claus while adults received gift bags of health products. All of the guests were invited to choose warm winter items from the clothing closet and coat room, officials said.
Under the direction of Gateway’s Culinary Arts professor, Andrew Randi, the annual outreach has become a Gateway Community College tradition that is planned, funded and organized by staff, faculty and students.



“This is the largest event of its kind in the area,” said Randi. “And it takes the time, talent and goodwill of the entire college community to make it successful. Starting in early October they hold fundraisers, coat and toy drives and begin the planning. The contents for over 450 gift bags are donated by college employees and we form work teams to make sure all of the details are covered.”
“I am so proud of our college community for this remarkable effort” said Gateway President, Dorsey Kendrick. “It puts everyone in the holiday spirit and brings out the best in the college community and their guests. It’s heartwarming to see the smiles on everyone’s faces.”


At right, Gateway faculty and staff prepare to serve their guests