About Santa's Gift

Santa's Gift, originally CEO's for Santa, was started in 1996 by Jeff Comment, CEO of Helzberg Diamonds, as a way to give back to the community.  Jeff visited children in hospitals across the United States during the holiday season, leaving them with an "I Am Loved" bear and a photograph of them with Santa.

In 1998, Mark Brant, chair of General Electric's Chicago chapter of Elfun Volunteers, joined Jeff to expand the program.  Together, they renamed the program Santa's Gift with hopes of involving more volunteers from all levels.

Together, they visited hospitals in Missouri, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Texas, New York, and Washington D. C.  From his experiences, Jeff authored two books: Jonathan, Through Santa's Eyes and Santa's Gift: True Stories of Courage, Humor, Hope, and Love.  Santa's Gift is designed to bring a few minutes of relief to children and their family members at a time and in a place where it is needed most.

The program consists of Santa and his elves visiting every child at the hospital and giving him or her a customized teddy bear.  Santa spends time visiting with each child and then takes a picture of the moment for them and their families to remember the visit.

In 2004, Santa's Gift suffered a tragic loss with the sudden passing of founder Jeff Comment.  In 2006, Mark Brant picked up the reins of Santa's Gift and formed an Illinois registered non-profit corporation.

Santa's Gift is supported by individuals and corporations alike.  It is through their generous contributions that Santa's Gift can grow.  The goal of Santa's Gift is to add additional hospitals as funds allow.  Please provide information to respond on our Contact US page and someone will be in touch with you shortly.