Athens, Ga. (December 8, 2023) – Piedmont Athens Regional held its second annual Holly Jolly Holiday Party on Tuesday, Nov. 28, in the hospital’s Main Tower, with more than 600 attendees helping kick off the holiday season.

“We are so excited to hold this event again this year and hope that it continues to grow and bring our community closer together to celebrate the holidays,” said Tammy Gilland, director of community relations for Piedmont Athens Regional. “It is so much fun to see families enjoying time together, getting their pictures taken with Santa and Hairy Dawg, doing crafts, and having some hot chocolate and cookies.”

This year, there was something for everybody at the Holly Jolly Holiday Party. At 6 p.m., Santa, University of Georgia mascot Hairy Dawg, the Grinch, and Piedmont Athens Regional CEO Michael Burnett arrived to light the hospital’s holiday tree. Following the tree lighting, attendees made their way through the various activities, which included pictures with Santa, the Grinch, Hairy Dawg, and Coca-Cola’s polar bear. The Coca-Cola Christmas truck offered free coke samples, and volunteers provided opportunities for face painting, holiday crafting, and holiday refreshments.

A new addition to this year’s party was a Secret Santa Shop sponsored by the Piedmont Athens Regional Auxiliary. Children shopped for presents for their loved ones, taking home wrapped gifts to be placed under their tree. 

“The Holly Jolly Holiday Party is a fun, relaxed way for the community to get to know Piedmont Athens Regional and how we are creating real change in the way people interact with their healthcare providers,” explained Gilland.