For 25 years John and Sharon Ames have been sharing the Christmas Spirit with thounsands of Children across Arizona

John Ames embraces a young child who he's helped have a great Christmas

It was a conversation more than 25 years ago with a school counselor that sparked an idea in John Ames. Share the magic of Christmas with thousands of kids, who may not be able to have one -  filled with love, laughter and gifts from Santa. That counselor told John, how many kids simply can't afford much during this time. So he vowed from that day forward,  he would help as many children as he could.

"John loves kids and he always wants to see the best for them. He's so generous and goes all out every year for the kids. It's just a wonderful experience for them," said Tom Howard, Regional Safety & HR Manager with Ames Construction.

Thousands of kids have visited the ranch over the past 25 years bring Christmas cheer

Every single year John and his wife Sharon transform their 20 acre farm into a magical Christmas Wonderland for kids. The farm is filled with thousands of lights, hay rides and of course Santa Claus makes a visit ."It's truly a magical place and the kids just love it," said Howard.

John Ames is on of the 5 family members Ames Construction. A well known contractor in the Valley. Dick Ames was the original founder of the company. John has always been generous with his time, philanthropy and love for children.

"He's never sought praise for what he does for the kids. But I wanted to make sure he received some credit. John and Sharon just love seeing the kids happy. It's not for publicity. It's because he's so generous," said Howard.

WHERE THE KIDS COME FROM

The kids come from Glendale school system and there are 2 of those nights with around 125 per night. The Boys and Girls club has a night and there is another 150 kids at that event. There is a rehabilitation program called Camelot and that organization uses horse therapy for children and young adults with physical disabilities. That night has those folks and their families at the ranch. John and Sharon also invite the employees of Ames Construction for a night and there are 300 adults and
250 kids who attend.

Kids walk away with a sack full of presents 

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS 

Each children's party has the kids arriving at the Whispering Pines Ranch, (John and Sharon Ames private residence) typically in the big coach type busses. The kids receive a wool beanie type hat and gloves so they are warm for the event.

There are carnival rides and face painting and the big surprise is Santa and Mrs. Santa arriving in a horse drawn coach. John Ames will also give the kids carriage rides and they sing Christmas songs as they ride about the ranch grounds. There is Christmas music playing throughout the grounds and there are over a million lights on the trees. It is hard to believe without seeing it for yourself.

The kids are fed a warm dinner in a big tent and Santa is there to hear what they are hoping to get for Christmas. Each child gets a Santa bag with toys and different games and books. They are able to get candy and caramel apples as well. At the end of the evening the kids return to their homes in the busses.

THE DECORATING STARTS IN THE SUMMER!


John starts to decorate the ranch in August and completes the decorations and preparations in November before Thanksgiving. Then soon after the magic begins! John and Sharon plan to keep this tradition going for years to come.