Ninety children and their families had a great time celebrating the holidays with the Bills players, Jills cheerleaders, Billy Buffalo and Santa Claus at the Buffalo Bills Toyota Rookie Club's Annual Holiday Party held December 15th in the Jim Kelly Club at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
One of the highlights of the party was when all the Bills players arrived wearing their game jerseys and Santa caps. The Jills cheerleaders and Billy Buffalo were also a big hit as they were dressed in their red and white holiday outfits and made a grand entrance.
The players and cheerleaders met and laughed with kids, took photos and signed autographs throughout the party. They got a lot of laughs and applause when they introduced themselves and shared with the children what their favorite present was when they were younger. The players mentioned things like bikes, big wheels and footballs while the cheerleaders said they loved getting dolls, Corvette barbies and video games.
Bills safety/linebacker Bryan Scott, a talented musician in his spare time, helped get everyone in the spirit as he led the singing of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and other Christmas carols and holiday songs.
Other Bills players enjoying the holiday party were Ryan Denney, Chris Draft, Jon Corto, Ellis Lankster, Jairus Byrd, Andy Levitre, Jamon Meredith, Andre Ramsey, Nick Hennessey, Jason Watkins, Garrison Sanborn, Cary Harris, Ashlee Palmer, Shawn Nelson, Rashaad Duncan and Lonnie Harvey.
The children were from the Boys & Girls Club of Buffalo, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County, Stones Buddies – Women's & Children's Hospital of Buffalo, Aspire, Northwest Buffalo Community Center, United Way, Gateway-Longview, Salvation Army and the Buffalo Public Schools.
In addition to celebrating the holidays with the players, the kids received a holiday dinner, treats, train rides and gifts from a wish list they previously submitted.
The players and cheerleaders called out the children's names and handed out beautifully wrapped presents along with Santa Claus. The kids' faces lit up and smiles and excitement was everywhere – especially when the presents were opened and the gift was exactly what was wished for.
Bills players also playfully rode a handful of bicycles from a hidden area to surprise the kids that had asked Santa for a bike. It was another touching and joyous moment among a night filled with special memories for the children and their families – and for the players and cheerleaders.
