Burke’s sister Linda, Occidental community continue
holiday tradition
A large crowd of about 700 people annually gather at the Union
Hotel in Occidental to support Bob Burke’s Kids Program.
The fundraiser brings in vital donations for the non-profit that
organizes fun activities for kids with cancer and other serious
illnesses and was founded by Bob Burke of Forestville, who passed
away about a year and a half ago.
Today, Burke’s sister, Linda Burke, carries on her brother’s
tradition wholeheartedly with the help of key volunteers, friends
and family. Bob Burke’s Christmas party will take place on
Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 5:30 until 9 p.m. at the Union Hotel in
Occidental.
“We continue keep it as close as we can to the way Bob did it,”
said Burke.
And as the turnout demonstrates, it’s likely that nobody would
have it any other way. In keeping with tradition, the event will
feature a generous Italian style meal donated by the Gonnella
family and prepared by the historic Union Hotel.
The Christmas party is a favorite community gathering that many
locals have been attending for decades and school groups from
Salmon Creek, Forestville, El Molino, Willow Creek and more will
provide live musical and vocal entertainment along with other
musicians from Sonoma County.
Evergreen 4H club of Cazadero will be stepping in to assist with
the cleaning of tables and favorite Sonoma County icons like Clo
the Cow, Snoopy, and Chippy from the California Highway Patrol will
add to the nights festive atmosphere that kids find magical. And
that’s really what it’s all about, “letting kids be kids,” – that
was Bob Burke’s goal.
“Everyone is welcome, and my brother was always insistent that
the donations made should be within ones means,” said Burke.
So, although collections are not taken at the door there will be
a designated spot, usually next to Santa where donations can be
made. The money raised is then used throughout the year to fund
events for kids with cancer and other life threatening
illnesses.
During the summer, Wednesday night BBQs are a highlight for
those in the program. Held at Burke’s Canoes on the Russian River,
it’s the ultimate place for a kid to be a kid and games, arts and
crafts and singing around the campfire bring a little normalcy into
the turbulent lives of families struggling with illness.
“Over many years, I could see how much this program has meant to
kids and their parents,” said Burke, who explained what an
important network of support the program creates for parents and
siblings in addition to the kids with illness.
Last year the program went well, and a few new families joined
the activities.
“Attendance has been very stable,” said Burke.
