Ho-ho-row!
Dozens of people in Santa gear rowing on the Christiana River. Hmmm … a Kringle family reunion? Did the sleighs need a tuneup? Reindeer on strike?
No, no, and … no. About 100 spectators watched athletes from the Wilmington Rowing Club in costume who were participating in the 10th Annual Santa Row, which raises money for the nonprofit Ministry of Caring. Watchers gather along the Wilmington Riverfront to watch the event, which takes place no matter what the weather.
This year, reports the Wilmington News Journal, a little more than $7,000 was raised. Last year’s row raised about $9,000.
About 45 participants were involved in this year’s event, compared to as many as 70 in past rows.
The proceeds will go to the Ministry of Caring’s Emmanuel Dining Room soup kitchens as well as numerous other Wilmington-based programs for the poor.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.