"Caring Santa" Experience To Create Magical Memories For Children With Special Needs at Town Center Mall At Cobb November 20, 2011

Town Center at Cobb welcomes the Caring Santa into into its mall starting Sunday, Nov. 20, allowing children with special needs to be welcomed into a photo environment designed to support their sensory, physical and developmental needs. The event is a result of a joint partnership between AbilityPath.org, a national online resource hub and special needs community and The Noerr Programs, a leading marketing and digital imaging company providing the Santa and Bunny Photo Experience at malls nationwide.

“Every family of children with special needs realizes that some environments can be overwhelming. As a result, many special needs families opt not to partake in this tradition,” said Sheryl Young, chief executive officer of Community Gatepath who operates AbilityPath.org, the nonprofit partner in the program. “With the help of The Noerr Programs and these participating malls, we are changing that! We have worked together to lessen the potential triggers. Having the event occur during private mall hours provides a calmer sensory-friendly environment. Implementing a number system allows children the opportunity to explore other things while they wait for their photo instead of waiting in lines, assuring children who might be sensitive to stimuli in a typical photo setting!”

“We are thrilled to be the venue for this incredible event,” said Shelly Weidner, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Town Center at Cobb. “The Caring Santa brings a lot of joy to children with specials needs and to see that happen at our mall is truly an honor.”

“Caring Santa continues the spirit we started during Easter with the Caring Bunny, fulfilling our dream of providing a comforting and physically accommodating experience for families with children that have special needs,” said Judy Noerr, chief executive officer of The Noerr Programs. “We appreciate the cooperation of Simon Property Group agreeing to expand this program during the 2011 season to more malls, allowing more families to share the magic and tradition of the holidays.”

The Caring Santa event kicks off Sunday, Nov. 20 at 9 a.m. and continues until 12 p.m. Families are encouraged to RSVP prior to the event at www.abilitypath.org

Official Website: http://www.abilitypath.org/