Published: 11/18/2009

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- It's never too early to make those reservations for next month's annual Breakfast with Santa fundraisers hosted by the Staten Island Children's Campaign.

Proceeds from the events benefit 17 agencies that serve 60,000 children boroughwide.

The breakfasts are coordinated by the Children's Campaign and Apple-Metro Inc., the latter which owns and operates the Island's Applebee's restaurants.

The breakfasts -- which run from 8:30 to 10 a.m. -- are slated for Dec. 5 and 6 in the Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar at the Staten Island Mall, 2655 Richmond Ave., New Springville; and Dec. 12 in the Applebee's at 430 New Dorp Lane, New Dorp; 1451 Richmond Ave., Graniteville, and 2720 Veterans Rd. West, Charleston.

The events afford little visitors a chance to enjoy a meet-and-greet with Santa, as well as a hearty breakfast, which is donated and served by Apple-Metro, Inc. staff who volunteer their time and talents each year. "It's our pleasure to work with the Staten Island Mall and the Children's Campaign and once again host these breakfasts for the benefit of Staten Island children. These breakfasts provide our employees an opportunity to give back to a community that has been so supportive of us. The best part for us is that 100 percent of the proceeds benefit this effort," said Zane Tankel, owner of Apple-Metro.

"The Staten Island Children's Campaign Charitable Trust is very grateful to Applebee's for once again sponsoring the Breakfast with Santa events. Over the years Applebee's has been extremely supportive," said Donna Long, executive director of the SICCCT.

Tickets, which must be purchased in advance, are $10. For reservations to the Mall breakfasts, phone 718-442-2225. For reservations to the Dec. 12 breakfasts, contact Julie Larsen at 718-983-3800.


Tuesday, November 17, 2009
By KIAWANA RICH

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