Dear Editor:

On behalf of myself and the board of directors at the James D. Rielly Foundation, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this holiday season at the Bristol Santa House truly magical.
We are deeply thankful to the Town of Bristol, including the Town Administrator, Town Council, Department of Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Historic District Commission, Bristol Police and Fire Department, and the Bristol Statehouse Foundation, for their steadfast support. Special thanks go to our sponsors, donors, and volunteers—your dedication and generosity brought this dream to life.

This year, we welcomed over 4,000 visitors, including 486 children and adults with special needs. Their smiles and joy remind us why our mission is so vital. Every family that stepped through our doors added to the festive spirit, and their Christmas wishes and stories made this season unforgettable.

Our mission at the Bristol Santa House remains steadfast: to provide a uniquely immersive Christmas experience for all, focusing on inclusion and accessibility. We are proud and honored to be the first organization in Bristol to receive the stamp of approval for accessibility from the Real Access Motivates Progress (RAMP) organization. This recognition validates our commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can experience the magic of Christmas in a welcoming and enchanting setting—all free of charge.

The Bristol Santa House is more than a holiday destination—it's a celebration of community spirit and togetherness. Thank you for being a part of it!

With gratitude,

Michael Rielly

President and Chief Merriment Officer

James D. Rielly Foundation