Wishful cruising

Make-A-Wish Foundation fulfills children’s holiday dreams aboard a paddleboat in Newport Harbor. ‘The coolest thing is watching the kids,’ longtime volunteer says. The Newport Princess paddleboat was bustling with kids Monday night. Invigorated by the holiday spirit, they chased after Santa Claus and scurried up and down stairs. They unwrapped presents and delighted in cup after cup of hot chocolate and Shirley Temples.

For a few hours, they focused on nothing but being kids.

And that’s something that these children, many of whom have been diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition, don’t get to do all that often.

The children and their families were on board for an annual harbor cruise put on by the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

“It’s a night away,” said Roger Brannon, on board with his wife, Leigh, and their 18-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, who has cerebral palsy.

This was their first time taking part in a Make-A-Wish event. Elizabeth’s wish -- to swim with dolphins -- will be granted by the foundation next year, Brannon said.

Her doctor nominated to have her dream granted by Make-A-Wish, Brannon said.

“It’s a great, great program,” Brannon said.

Once underway, the boat filled with laughter. Kids clapped along as a live piano man on the lower deck played holiday favorites. The families were treated to a catered dinner, including a special spread of pasta and French fries, just for the kids.

Part-way through the voyage, the kids got a special visit from the man in red -- Santa arrived sheriff’s-style, barreling through the water on a red Harbor Patrol boat, siren blaring and lights flashing.

Santa’s grand entrance was illuminated by the spotlight from Duke, the sheriff’s helicopter, flying low overhead.

Along with Santa arrived Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona and Newport Beach Harbor Master Capt. Deana Bergquist.

“We’re doing it for them.... Sometimes you don’t realize how great the gift is until you talk to the families afterward,” said Carona, who makes a point to attend the cruise in person each year.

Dave New, of Newport Beach, has been volunteering to coordinate the cruise for nearly 10 years. He and his wife shop for presents that Santa passes out to each child.

“The coolest thing is watching the kids,” New said.

Lynda Guinther, co-owner of the Newport Beach-based Electra Cruises, donated the boat for Monday’s event.

“It’s fabulous, especially around this time of year ... just to see their little faces,” Guinther said.

The children on board Monday’s cruise come from all over Southern California, mainly from Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, said Mike Hauber, a wish coordinator with Make-A-Wish.

“It’s awesome that they do stuff for the kids,” said Billy Moss, who’s son is battling Leukemia. Billy Moss Jr., 7, just recently started going back to school.

The whole family, Billy Moss Jr. included, had been looking forward to the cruise for a week, said Billy Moss Sr. Leaning over a rail on stern of the boat, Billy Moss Jr. pointed out into the dark water and announced that he may have seen a whale.

The whale was blue, he said, flashing a shy smile. 20051223irxqa7ncDON LEACH / DAILY PILOT(LA)Santa Claus says a jolly hello to children and their families aboard Newport Princess as part of a Make-A-Wish foundation event with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the Harbor Patrol.