LYNN – More than 100 community members gathered at Old Tyme Italian Cuisine on Sunday to compete in a scavenger hunt to help give Christmas gifts to families in need.
The scavenger hunt was organized by Santa’s Helping Hands, while Old Tyme hosted the event for free and donated food and beverages. Meanwhile, donations from participants, such as socks, skincare, hair care, and oral care, will be distributed to the families by LEO. Inc.
Now in its 23rd year, 28 teams participated in Sunday’s scavenger hunt. The competition consisted of 100 photo challenges, including dancing on the steps at City Hall, pointing to an hourglass in New North Cafe, and looking through a scope at Lynn Beach.
Organizer Erin Gaudet said, “So many people look forward to this event. The scavenger hunt is such a good time; it supports the families of Lynn, and people really need support right now. Putting fundraising and fun together is really important.”
Stephanie Schipilliti’s team won last year, meaning they were given the task to coordinate this year’s scavenger hunt. They chose a theme based on the 2003 film “Elf,” as their team was aptly named the “Cottonheaded Ninnymuggins.”
Schipilliti said, “We appreciate the amount of support from local businesses and the community as a whole to support the kids during the holidays during these hard times.”
Participant of team “Galway Girls” Ann McLaughlin said, “I love that families can have a Christmas. We get to see our community step up, and it brings out a really giving feeling.”
The event also held a raffle where community members could purchase tickets for a chance to win community-donated items such as bottles of wine, house plants, and a karaoke machine.
DPW commissioner and Santa’s Helping Hands chairperson Lisa Nerich said the scavenger hunt typically brings in about $6,000 for families in need, while the raffle often ropes in an additional $2,000. The proceeds from Sunday will go to purchasing coats, hats, pajamas, stocking stuffers, and food gift certificates to the families.
Nerich said, “This event brings a lot of excitement. Everyone comes together to make it a successful event. It’s a lot of fun. We try to help as many families as we can. It’ll be nice when the kids wake up on Christmas morning and see gifts under the tree. It’s nice to have a hot meal for dinner on the table.”
Old Tyme owner Robert Stilian and manager and Ward 5 Councilor Diana Chakoutis spoke about why the restaurant chooses to get involved with the scavenger hunt annually.
Stilian said, “This city is a great city, and people want to give. This is a great thing to help people, and the money raised does a lot of good.”
Chakoutis said, “It’s the excitement and the laughter. Everyone’s in a great mood and having fun. It’s something people look forward to every year.”
The event was also made possible by Santa’s Helping Hands founders Patty and Eileen McCarthy, and volunteers Becca Owumi, Melanie Saleh, Gayle Roberts, and Mary Donnelly.
