Ho Ho Ho & Healthy Eats at Gene Ward ES

Who wears red and white, says “Ho Ho Ho,” and knows how to make a big impact before breakfast? At our most recent Cookin’ Up Breakfast event, the answer was easy—Santa Claus himself! Thanks to the incredible connections and generosity of our friends at Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, the big man made a surprise visit to Gene Ward Elementary School, delighting students with smiles, high-fives, and a few special toys to kick off the morning.

It was Spirit Week at the school, so Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and festive headbands filled the room. But for many students, the real magic happened when they traded their holiday gear for a chef’s hat. You could hear the excitement echoing through the cafeteria—especially when one student proudly told a friend, “Oooh… you look like a chef!”

Before Santa arrived, students were welcomed by the Four Seasons culinary team, whose chefs brought not just holiday cheer, but heart, creativity, and a thoughtfully prepared breakfast designed to be both festive and nutritious. With warm smiles and big energy, the chefs served up a menu straight from the North Pole:

• Jolly Jingle Apple Slices
• Frosty Snow Sip Organic Juice
• Santa’s Sleigh Choco Banana
• North Pole Non-Fat Strawberry Yogurt
• Rudolph’s Turkey Breakfast Sandwich
  

We asked students what their favorite part of the meal was—and surprisingly, it wasn’t the chocolate-covered banana! The top picks were the Strawberry Yogurt and the Turkey Breakfast Sandwich. Even better? These students were third-graders who had already participated in our nutrition education class, and it showed. Their tastes are shifting, and healthier choices are becoming the norm.

One especially meaningful moment came when a school staff member shared that her granddaughter—also a third-grader—had taken Ms. Baptista’s nutrition class. Laughing, she said, “She’s always telling me, ‘Ms. Baptista says we shouldn’t eat this every day, Grandma!’” That kind of family feedback is exactly why we do what we do.

Moments like these don’t happen by accident. They’re made possible by committed partners like the Four Seasons chefs, passionate educators, and generous supporters who believe every child deserves access to healthy food and positive food experiences.

This holiday season, you can help us continue creating memories, shaping healthier habits, and inspiring the next generation—one chef’s hat at a time. Please consider making a donation to Chefs For Kids today. Your support helps bring nutrition education, chef-led experiences, and a whole lot of joy to children who need it most.

Together, we can keep cooking up change. 🍽️❤️