News & Press Releases
WestShore Plaza to Host ‘Sensitive Santa®’ Holiday Photo Event
WestShore Plaza to Host ‘Sensitive Santa®’ Holiday Photo Event for Children with Autism
This unique sensory-friendly event allows children with autism to visit Santa for the first time
TAMPA, Florida (November 17, 2011) Considering approximately three to six children out of every 1,000 have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it can be difficult for families of children with autism to enjoy some of the holiday celebrations and traditions most people take for granted, including simple things like sitting on Santa’s lap in a busy shopping mall.
That is why families touched by ASD are invited to WestShore Plaza on November 20th and December 4th from 8am – 10am this season to celebrate Sensitive Santa®, an event that caters to children with autism and allows them to enjoy one of the holiday’s joyous memories - sitting on Santa’s lap.
For the event, the Santa area will become “sensory friendly,” meaning the lights and music will be turned down, staff will be instructed to avoid loud, distracting movements, and the mall will be closed to shoppers. WestShore Plaza in partnership with Worldwide Photography will also provide each family that attends with a free 4 x 6 photo keepsake to commemorate the holiday season.
“We wanted to create an event that celebrates the spirit of the holiday season and brings a small, but memorable part of the holiday season to families with autism,” said Kristy Genna, Marketing Director, WestShore Plaza. “‘Sensitive Santa® will allow these children to experience the same enjoyment with Santa, but in a much calmer, less intimidating environment.”
About Worldwide Photography
Worldwide Photography is an alliance of special event photographers, established in 1998. Worldwide services more than 200 major shopping malls in 45 states and ranks as one of the top holiday event photography companies in the United States. Visit www.wwponline.com or call Santa"s Workshop at 832-256-5555. Contact Jeff Angelo, Senior Partner.
About WestShore Plaza
WestShore Plaza is anchored by Macy’s, JCPenney, Saks Fifth Avenue and Sears and is located at corner of West Shore and Kennedy Blvds. in Tampa. Along with over 120 specialty shops, WestShore Plaza features exclusive dining options including Maggiano’s Little Italy, Mitchell’s Fish Market, PF Chang’s China Bistro, Palm Restaurant and Seasons 52. For more information about WestShore Plaza, please visit www.westshoreplaza.com. WestShore Plaza is open Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., holiday hours may vary.
WestShore Plaza is a joint venture property with Blackstone and Glimcher Realty Trust. WestShore Plaza is managed by Glimcher Realty Trust of Columbus, Ohio.
About Glimcher Realty Trust
Glimcher Realty Trust, a real estate investment trust, is a recognized leader in the ownership, management, acquisition and development of malls, which includes enclosed regional malls and open-air lifestyle centers as well as community centers. Glimcher® is registered trademark of Glimcher Realty Trust.
Glimcher Realty Trust’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “GRT.” Glimcher Realty Trust’s Series F and Series G preferred shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols “GRTPrF” and “GRTPrG,” respectively. Glimcher Realty Trust is a component of both the Russell 2000® Index, representing small cap stocks, and the Russell 3000® Index, representing the broader market.
Contact:
Kristy Genna
Glimcher Realty Trust
813.286.0792
kgenna@glimcher.com
