Sunrise students treated to holiday cheer in decades-old Monroeville tradition
A raucous, joy-filled cheer rang out as Santa Claus and his spouse walked into the building. The couple was ferried in to Biondi Motor Company in Monroeville by a convertible, 2002 Ford Thunderbird.
“Mrs. Claus, I must say, your hair looks good even after catching all that wind,” said Chris Dufalla, a music teacher at Monroeville’s Sunrise School.
As the clamor died down, the couple donned in red and white made their way to their designated seats.
Dufalla and other Sunrise teachers brought around 75 students to the dealership Dec. 3 for its annual Christmas event.
This year’s event marked one more for a partnership that started between the dealership and the school more than 25 years ago. Each year, the dealership opens its doors to the school and Santa and Mrs. Claus, who gives each child a present.
Enterprise Rent-a-Car got in on the giving by donating a $3,000 check to the school to use for playground equipment.
“I don’t feel good anymore but I love to see this,” said Louis Biondi Sr. The 94-year-old sat in a chair at the back of the dealership’s showroom, which had been cleared of its Lincolns to make room for the students who have been diagnosed with a variety of intellectual and physical disabilities.
“It’s the best thing we’ve ever done,” he said.
The event featured the singing of Christmas carols, led by the Sunrise School choir, a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, decorating a giant tree and a hot lunch.
Linda and Lewis Thompson agreed with Biondi.
“This is the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen,” said Lewis Thompson, of Lower Burrell. “The openness, kindness. It’s just amazing.”
The Thompsons sat along the showroom’s back wall as they watched their granddaughter, Katrina Zinn, compare gifts with her peers.
Lori Say of Wilkins came with her daughter, Aurora.
“She looks forward to it every year,” she said.
So does Lucy McDonough, the school’s principal.
“They just love coming here … it sets the holiday season for us,” she said.
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