By Judith Dorato O’Gara

The Santa Foundation turns 40 this year, and it’s planning its annual gala at the Franklin Elks Club, 1077 Pond Street, Franklin for October 3, 2025, from 6-10 p.m.

The modest giving operation of founder Robert Sullivan and his wife has grown to serve over 30,000 families, providing gifts, toys, clothing and support to over 716 families in 2024.  

Last year, the organization, which outgrew its space in the basement of a small house on Joy Street, moved to 275 Washington Street - Suite A6 in Franklin, with the help of hundreds of hours of volunteer hours from the Franklin community. 

“That change did pay off the way we thought,” says Joe Formosa, who joined The Santa Foundation’s Board last year with his wife, Pam. “We can now have space and room for dozens of members of the community to continue our mission.” Formosa notes that the community need has not waned.

“Bob started something that, unfortunately, the need doesn’t go away,” says Formosa, who says The Santa Foundation is committed to working with new community partner organizations to continue to meet that call. “What we’ll do this year is, if you can’t write a check, we will collaborate and work with someone, if they need car repair, or work with the Food Pantry and St. Vincent de Paul. How do we solve a problem without just writing a check,” says Formosa, who admits that the new location adds to the organization’s overhead costs. 

Just as The Santa Foundation outgrew the space needed to house its donations, so the organization has outgrown the space at La Cantina Winery, where it has held past galas. 

“Thank you, La Cantina – it’s been a great supporter,” says Formosa. Board member Karla Boudreau, founder of Meme’s Stockings, is chairing the event, which will include two entertainers, at least 10 sizeable raffle prizes, and a silent auction for items such as Boston Bruin’s tickets for 4 on the glass, a custom paint experience, a one-of-a-kind doll house and a Boston College football package.

As part of its 40th year celebration, The Santa Foundation has updated the look and ease of its website, under the direction of Social Media Director Pat Timmons (grandson of Robert and Elaine Sullivan). The updated website also acknowledges the many long-standing and recent companies and individuals who support The Santa Foundation.  

The Santa Foundation will join Franklin in celebrating Harvest Fest on September 27th and encourages folks to stop by, learn more about the organization, and sign up as volunteers.  In October, the organization will also launch its annual fall Calendar raffle fundraiser, to be sold throughout the month of October (in person or online) with 30+ days of prizes for the month of November.

To purchase tickets for the gala or to learn more about The Santa Foundation, visit its website at www.sfjoy.org. You can also follow The Santa Foundation on Instagram (@sfjoyorg) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SantaFoundation).