LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky’s HealthCare department hosted its annual Breakfast with Santa event. Staff members and their families were greeted by UK cheerleaders, mascots and service dogs.

What You Need To Know

  • The University of Kentucky HealthCare department hosted its annual "Breakfast with Santa"

  • Staff members brought their families to eat breakfast together and take photos with Santa

  • UK athletes, cheerleaders and mascots were present to greet families and interact with them throughout the event

  • It's been a tradition for more than 40 years, but had not been held since 2019 because of COVID-19 and RSV

This event has been a tradition for more than 40 years, but because of COVID-19 and RSV, it hasn’t been held since 2019.

It was busy from the start between interactions with UK athletes and eating breakfast and taking photos with Santa. It seems that those who took part had a good time, including Rachel Miller, a gynecological oncologist with UK. She brought her family to the event.

A few UK athletes sat down and talked with the boy pictured above (middle) while he colored at his table. (Spectrum News 1/Geraldine Torrellas)

“It’s really awesome and special to be able to do things like this with your family from home and right here at work, and the kids get to see where you work and how awesome everybody is here, and it just is a really nice and special environment, and I like it that it just enhances the sense of community here at work,” Miller said.

On Thursday, dancers from the Lexington Ballet will go to the UK Children’s Hospital to perform parts of the Nutcracker.

The UK Police Department has also been collecting toys for their “Cram the Cruiser” toy drive. They are taking donations until the 15th. Unwrapped toys can be dropped off at their headquarters on campus.

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