Tag Archives: Kelley Schutte

With Thanksgiving coming on the latest possible date this year, the usual round of holiday parties are scrunched into an even tighter schedule than usual. Making merry is hard work.

But amid all the open houses, office lunches and whatnot, one event stands out. In fact, if you could choose just one social event between now and New Year’s, this might be it.

“Santa Cause” is the creation of Westporters Kelley and Drew Schutte. It’s an absurdly fun (and adult) afternoon, for a great reason.

Drew and Kelley Schutte — aka Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Attendees must dress up in Santa and Mrs. Claus outfits. (Or elves.) They gather at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 30. For the next 5 hours, they will drink/crawl their way from one fine Saugatuck establishment to the next: Dunville’s, the Whelk, Viva’s, Rizzuto’s and the Duck. They’ll end at Saugatuck Sweets, the new dessert place, because man does not live by bread beer alone.

At every stop, they’ll spread good cheer — and attract odd looks.

Here’s the holiday catch: The cost is $100 per person Santa/Mrs. Claus/elf. The entire amount goes to Adams Camp, serving special needs children.

Of course — this being the holiday, and there’s alcohol involved — you can give more. In fact, $2,700 covers a full camp experience for one child.

This being litigious Westport, there are guidelines. Each party’s drop-off and pick-up rides must be arranged in advance (unless there’s a designated sleigh or car driver). Cash is requested for drinks and tips (no credit cards).

In the spirit of Christmas, each restaurant will provide free appetizers.

But the Santa, Mrs. Claus and elf costumes — you’re on your own.

(Pre-registration is requested; send a check made out to “Adam’s Camp,” with a list of the number attending and your email address, to the Schuttes, 12 Sunnyside La., Westport, CT 06880. For more info, email schutte.drew@gmail.com, and put “Santa Cause” in the subject line. If you’re wondering where to get that Santa, Mrs. Claus or elf costume, Kelley and Drew have some ideas.)