Behind the Badge
On a special night once a year, Santa leaves his reindeer at the North Pole and trades in his sleigh for a yacht in Newport Bay, where he mingles with children and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
“This is one of the biggest turnouts that Make-A-Wish has ever had,” Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens said. “We can see how excited the kids got. To see them smiling and on Santa’s lap, it’s a magical night for them. It means so much.”
OCSD deputies help Phillip onto the cruise ship at the start of the annual holiday cruise in Newport Beach for Make-A-Wish families.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The OCSD and Make-A-Wish take kids and their families on a harbor cruise twice a year, on the Fourth of July and in December. This year’s cruise was Dec. 13.
A Harbor Patrol boat delivered Santa to visit the families on the yacht “Eternity”, which was donated (along with the crew) by Electra Cruises of Newport Beach for the evening.
Don Dalati dances with his 3-year-old daughter Alia Dalati during the Make-a-Wish Holiday Cruise.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Carlos Gutierrez, his wife, Martha, and sons Joseph, 11, and Sebastian, 9, joined 61 other families (288 people) invited to the 18th annual Holiday Cruise by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illness.
“It’s a great opportunity to meet and mingle with other families and see what they’re going through,” Gutierrez said. “I think it was awesome just to see how they use their boat and bring Santa Clause. That was great. That was a highlight.”
OCSD Harbor Patrol Deputy Greg Eisenman gets a high-five as Make-A-Wish families board the Eternity in Newport Beach.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Joseph, who had brain surgery this past July, enjoyed having his face painted.
“We are very thankful to be here,” Martha Gutierrez said.
“It’s great for the kids,” said Roger Ogletree of Upland, who was there with his girlfriend and daughter. “Instead of being in a hospital, they get to have fun. I think it means a lot. They go through so much being a patient or even being at home. This is a great environment.”
Orange County Undersheriff Don Barnes welcome Make-A-Wish families as they board the Eternity.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The Eternity is 140 feet long, 33 feet wide, and has four decks, in addition to being wheelchair accessible and ADA-approved.
“It’s a beautiful setting and a beautiful boat,” said Michael Sweig, a major donor. “It’s such an important charity. The kids are happy, and that’s who it’s for — the kids.”
Rich Sherman entertains families with Christmas carols.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The cruise also featured live music from a pianist, entertainers, visits with Santa, a dinner of hot dogs, fries, chicken tenders and other kid-approved delicacies, and glorious views of the holiday lights along the harbor. In addition, all children on board received a gift.
Orange County Sheriff’s Department Reserve Deputy Jay Wasserman is the main organizer; he received a Medal of Merit in 2013 from the department for his work on the cruises.
Russ McCormick, a volunteer for Make-A-Wish, gives a high-five to a Make-A-Wish child.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Hutchens said she’ll attend the event next year, though she has announced she won’t seek reelection in 2018.
“I wouldn’t miss it,” Hutchens said.
Behind the Badge photographer Steven Georges contributed to this story.
Orange County Undersheriff Don Barnes welcomes families as they board the Eternity.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
OCSD Harbor Patrol Deputy Greg Eisenman gets a high-five.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
OCSD deputies help a child onto the cruise ship.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Families sing Christmas carols on board the Eternity.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Santa arrives with Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens on an OCSD Harbor Patrol boat.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Santa gets a hug as he boards the Eternity.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Santa greets the kids as they gather around his chair to visit the man in the red suit.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Employees from Electra Cruises volunteer their time to serve hot dogs, chicken strips, and french fries.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Three-year-old Jackson Fairchild Verner of Murrieta talks to Santa with his mother, Sara Verner.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Orange County Undersheriff Don Barnes, left, Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, Santa, and Stephanie McCormick, president/CEO of Make-A-Wish Orange County/Inland Empire, welcome the kids as they get ready to visit Santa.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Santa with Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Make-A-Wish members, including OC Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, Make-A-Wish Orange County/Inland Empire President/CEO Stephanie McCormick, Deputy Greg Eisenman, Deputy Blaze Bhency, Shin-Ja Kammann, Max Werderman, and Jake Koeppl.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Santa greets kids as he boards the Eternity.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Santa on board the Eternity with Make-A-Wish Orange County/Inland Empire President/CEO Stephanie McCormick and Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, right.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Make-A-Wish donor Michael Sweig, left, Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, Marilyn Barnes and her husband OC Undersheriff Don Barnes, see Santa off as he departs the Eternity during the annual Make-A-Wish holiday cruise.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The four-deck Eternity makes its way down Newport Harbor during the annual Make-A-Wish Holiday Cruise.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Stephanie McCormick, president/CEO of Make-A-Wish Orange County/Inland Empire, left, and OCSD Deputy Jay Wasserman welcome 3-year-old Zoey Mendoza.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Russ McCormick, left, Shin-Ja Kammann, and Stephanie McCormick welcome Make-A-Wish families.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Orange County Undersheriff Don Barnes, left, Deputy Greg Eisenman, Make-A-Wish Orange County/Inland Empire President/CEO Stephanie McCormick, Deputy Blaze Bhence, Lt Mark Alsobrook, and OC Sheriff Sandra Hutchens gather with kids.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
