Sutton, MA. Massachusetts native and “Dancing with the Stars” co-host Tom Bergeron will be at the Vaillancourt Folk Art Studio at the Manchaug Mills at 1 Main Street, Sutton, MA on Saturday, December 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for an event to benefit the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Each Christmas season Vaillancourt Folk Art introduces a “Starlight Santa” especially created to celebrate their partnership with the Starlight Children’s Foundation. This year a special “dancing snow woman” has also been designed to highlight Tom Bergeron’s visit. “We are very pleased that Tom is able to join us this year and we couldn’t resist creating a special “dancer” just for him,” Gary Vaillancourt, company president, explained. “Tom will join Judi Vaillancourt, the designer of our chalkware santas and other popular holiday decorations, to sign customers’ purchases of our santas or ornaments at our store,” Vaillancourt added. “As part of what has become our tradition, we will donate a portion of those proceeds to the Starlight Children’s Foundation that serves seriously ill children and their families.” Vaillancourt Folk Art has proudly partnered with Starlight since 1990 and in previous years has donated a “Fun Center” to a local pediatric unit. Fun Center’s include video and electronic entertainment that helps to make a child’s stay in the hospital more comfortable. According to foundation personnel, the Vaillancourt’s annual donation has brightened the lives of thousands of children and their families through outpatient family activities and inpatient entertainment programs for hospitalized children. “The Vaillancourt Folk Art’s Starlight Santa is a wonderful gift that brightens the season as well as contributes to making a difference for seriously ill children and their families throughout the year,” Jonelle Prill-Tate, Starlight’s Community Development Officer said. “We are very grateful to the Vaillancourt family and Starlight Santa collectors. Over the years they have made many dreams come true and provided tremendous support for children throughout New England.”
