In 1997 the McIntosh Trail Ombudsman Program began a Christmas luncheon for Residents from group homes serving the mental health  and developmental disability population, providing a fun event promoting community interactivity.   A covered dish luncheon was held with about 25 Residents and staff attending.  The Winter Holiday luncheon has grown over the past eleven years to a sit down luncheon covering all seven counties serving some 170 participants.   

Each year, the residents enjoy a great meal and enthusiastically dance to music provided by an area disc jockey.   Santa Claus is a regular and significant guest at the luncheon and has a small gift for each participant.  He visits with each Resident, listening intently to each request for Christmas.   

Many Residents have known each other for years and this event is also a great way for them to reconnect.  It is an event the participants look forward to all year.  Resident Harriet Fambro, a CP Resident, summed it up in a recent interview, "This is a fun event we can attend with old and new friends, have fun and not be stared at because of our disabilities"