CANFIELD — Santa Claus took a break from supervising the elves and instead spent Saturday at Waypoint 4180 to take requests from area children.

Breakfast With Santa was a benefit for the Rowan Sweeney Memorial Foundation. David Sweeney started the organization in 2020, shortly after the home invasion and murder of his 4-year-old son at a home in Struthers. He decided to turn an unspeakable tragedy into something meaningful.

According to Sweeney, Breakfast with Santa is an opportunity to “give something for the kids and parents to do while reaching our goal of building a playground.”

Rowan’s Memorial Playground will be for children of all ages and abilities. It will be located in Boardman Township Park, which Sweeney said has been a valuable partner. So far, the foundation has raised $140,000. They are hoping to eventually reach $500,000, but in the meantime they plan to break ground on Phase I of the playground sometime in 2026.

Sweeney said the foundation has utilized Waypoint 4180 for several events

“The staff has been good to us. And it’s beautiful. They really take care of the place,” he said.

Board member Aileen Rebic said this is the third year Breakfast with Santa has been at Waypoint 4180, but they have hosted the event all five years. They host a similar gathering with the Easter Bunny.

“He was a little boy so we try to do events focused on kids,” Rebic said.

For a more adult fundraiser, a Designer Purse Bingo with a cash bar will be Jan. 18 at Waypoint 4180.

Besides breakfast and a chance to sit on Santa’s lap, children were entertained by John McCoy dressed as the Grinch. McCoy has reprised the role every year since 2020. There were also craft projects, holiday music and a basket raffle of toys.

Board member Vicki Dugan brought Buckeye Gourmet Popcorn from the store she opened this year in New Middletown. She agrees it is important “to keep Rowan’s name alive and to get the playground built.”

Matteo Barone, 4, of Canfield, showed off a Christmas tree picture he finished coloring. His 6-year-old sister Mila was doing the same, but said her favorite part of the morning was “The Grinch is here.”

Santa’s alter ego is Kendall Williamson. He said he usually works behind the scenes but he got “voluntold” to fulfill this task.

“You can’t go wrong as long as you get the belly laugh and the joyful smile,” said Williamson, adding, “It’s funny how kids gravitate so quickly.”

David Sweeney’s mother, Mary Ann, has been there for the difficult times as well as the community response.

Anyone who wants to donate or find out more about the playground can visit www.rowansweeneymemorialfoundation.com.