Marlowe Middle School was decorated exquisitely for Christmas on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 6.

The school hosted a Breakfast with Santa event from 8-9:30 a.m., and then 10-11:30 a.m. Many families showed up with their young children to have breakfast and play some of the holiday-themed games set up in the gymnasium.

The school had hosted a Fireside Feast event the night before which included a pasta dinner, entertainment by the Marlowe choir, and much more.

Both events have been in effect since creator Niki Burkley presented it to the Educational Foundation. Breakfast with Santa has been hosted by Marlowe for the last seven years, and the Fireside Feast for the last four.

“The uniqueness about this event is it pulls in students and families from every single building in the district,” said Burkley.

The events draw in helpers from both the high school and middle schools in the district.

At Breakfast with Santa, there was a display of different-themed baskets to be auctioned off to raise money.

“We’ve always done [baskets],” said Burkley. “The teachers and staff members donate money and they create the baskets to be sold and raffled off at the event.”

The baskets were absolutely phenomenal this year, according to Educational Foundation board member Chad Alexander. Each basket had a different theme, such as Blackhawks, Legos, lotto tickets, and much more.

The baskets and other activities raise money that goes towards teacher grants, high school scholarship, and funding for eBooks for the high school libraries.

Also present at the breakfast were Frosty the Snowman and Buddy the Elf, who wandered around the cafeteria and were available for pictures with the kids.