Solvang Vikings Christmas Party
See pictures of Santa and all his little helpers.
Photo Gallery |
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2009 Solvang Vikings Christmas Party
Online Now! Click here to see the 2009 Photo Gallery.
The Clayton Fitzgerald Story
Life was pretty good for Clayton FitzGerald until May 8, 2005, when he was a passenger in a small airplane that crashed. The innocent act of two guys checking out the mountain scenery turned tragic when the young pilot miscalculated. The radical turn in Claton's life caused him to be in a coma for three weeks. He also had spinal injuries, broken bones and internal injuries. Obviously, this entailed months of operations and therapy and a frantic family doing whatever was necessary to bring relief and health to Clayton and hopefully return him to that, "pretty good life." The therapy and the care continues to this day.
One does not need to imagine the cost of repairing a terrible damaged body. Fortunately his father, Casey, and his mother, Peggy, had insurance the dealt with much of the enormous medical expenses. Much, but not all.
 It seems that the very worst damage Clayton received in the crash was to his face. Teeth were knocked out and the jaw bone broken so badly that one side of his jaw cannot be properly re-hinged. To make this important repair is an expensive proposition and regrettably, the insurance does not include this type of injury. The repair is presently progressing and Clayton's family is encountering expenses that few families can accommodate.
It is estimated that the remaining surgeries and dental work needed to complete Clayton's facial reconstruction will cost $55,000. The Vikings of Solvang heard of the problem.
"This is a situation we understand and want to assist," said Viking Chief Hans Larsen. "Clayton's family are long time residents of the Valley and have certainly done their share of reaching out to others over the years. We have a plan now to reach out to Clayton and prevent his family from exhausting their assets and going into debt."
The Vikings have established a "Clayton Matching Fund." They are asking for donations to this fund from the public. The Vikings will match every dollar given with a dollar.
"You give one dollar and will match that dollar," said Larsen, "and if you give $100 we will match that!" "In fact," he continued, "the Vikings will match any amount of money until we reach the goal of $55,000."
"We invite the public to help us with our work," said Larsen, "it is an opportunity to feel good about yourself."
"Please remember that 100% of all donations sent to the Clayton Matching Fund," stated Larsen, "will be used to pay present and coming reconstructive expenses for Clayton." It is well known that the Vikings, a philanthropic organization, do not take salaries or fees for their involvement with their projects. Established in 1975, the Viking’s have sponsored various benefits from children with special needs to such events as the recent Solvang Recovery Residence Benefit as well as assisting individuals with extreme medical problems who are without the means of paying for their treatment.
Donations can be sent to:
Viking Charities Inc.
P. O. Box 293
Solvang, CA 93464
"Yours is the gift of Hope, Love, and perhaps Life itself. "
The Vikings of Solvang, founded in 1974, has raised and allocated over $1.9 million charitable dollars through the end of 2006. We bring happiness, joy, and ability into the lives of medically disadvantaged children and adults.
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This 1998 Dodge Caravan with automated lift, was presented to the Pulliam family on June 16, 2007. Pictured from left to right: Chief Hans Larsen, Gold Cupper Jim Cassidy, Family friend Todd Dale, Kathy Pulliam and Anthony Pulliam. |
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The Vikings of Solvang are well known for their sincere commitment to these special people, their families, and to medically related organizations within Santa Barbara County.
Viking Charities Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and is chartered as a 509(a)2 public charity, making your contributions tax deductible.
100% of all contributions fully benefit those individuals and families who are so much in need of our assistance.
Mission Statement
WHO WE ARE
A Social and Philanthropic Organization
WHAT WE DO
Provide help for the medically related needs of
individuals, families, and Health Care Organizations.
WHY WE DO IT
To provide others within Santa Barbara County
a better quality of life. |
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Whatever time we share, whatever money we donate,
whatever understanding we bring to those who need
us, all becomes worthwhile when we read the heartfelt,
thank you letters, when we see happy young faces
and when we receive the hugs of joy and gratitude
from those we help
What children cannot personally thank you for,
they acknowledge with a much greater expression
of love in our lives. |
The Vikings of Solvang are a diverse group who enjoy good fellowship with charity in their hearts. Monthly meetings are planned in true Viking tradition, with both fun and giving in mind. If you are interested in learning more about the Vikings, continuing the good works of Viking Charities Inc. or learning what you can do to assist those in need, please contact any Viking or see our Contact Information page.
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