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Santa Claus, goodies and gifts galore thrilled the children of The Little Cloverdale Preschool last Saturday.

This is the third year that Santa has dropped by to join the students, teachers and parents of The Little Cloverdale Preschool in a holiday celebration called the "Breakfast with Santa Silent Auction."

Also open to the surrounding community of Sisters and Redmond, the benefit began on Saturday at 8 a.m. and didn't stop until noon. It included a $5 plate breakfast consisting of golden brown pancakes, juice and fresh coffee, along with Santa for the children.

It ended with an auction sponsored by businesses in Sisters, Bend and Redmond. The 41 specially packaged gifts were donated for this event as were the food, drinks, and decorations.

Giant candy canes, tree-covered table cloths and friendly faces filled the room with the excitement of the Christmas season. Although the children only had eyes for the rosy cheeked man in the red suit, this event held a much deeper meaning for teachers and parents.

"It's a great way for the community to come in and see what we are doing here," said Julie Cash, whose son, Ian, is currently enrolled in his first year at the school.

Cash said that she loves the cooperative aspect of the school and the connection with fellow parents, as well as her son's teacher Annee Kauzlarich, who all students and parents fondly refer to as "Miss Anne."

"She's just fabulous with the kids. Her patience is outstanding," Cash said.

Miss Anne began her career in education in New York as a high school English teacher and has been teaching at The Little Cloverdale Preschool for the last eight years. With 30 years of experience under her belt, she has a very committed and positive attitude toward her work.

"I love it!" Miss Anne said, while one of her young students tugged at her arm. "We have really found a place in parents' hearts here."

She said that the holiday event is really about the concept of giving and not necessarily expecting to get anything in return. Miss Anne said the parents of her students greatly reflect this concept by volunteering and offering assistance whenever there is a need.

It was no different on Saturday when the school was filled with parents, children and community members who made the event a huge success by showing up and taking part in the festivities.

By the end of the day this non-profit organization raised just under $2,600, which is about a $1,000 increase from what was made at the auction two years before.

"We are hoping to be able to use the money raised from this to give out scholarships for kids who can't afford schooling," said Corrie Arthur, a resident of Redmond who assumed the role of President of The Little Cloverdale Preschool just last week.

Arthur said that the "Breakfast with Santa" benefit is the school's biggest fund-raising day of the year, and the proceeds will also go towards adding to the playground, providing teaching materials and funding future school events.