Rudy’s in Medina hosting Christmas party on Sunday for children with disabilities

Best of Tymes will send several costumed characters to entertain

Provided photo: The Grinch and Cindy Lou are two of the characters Best of Tymes Party Rentals is sending to entertain children with special needs at a party on Sunday at Rudy’s in Medina.

MEDINA – Children with special needs are being invited to a first-time Christmas party designed just for them.

Angie Coon of Medina, whose son has autism, knows how challenging being around crowds can be for a child living with disabilities.

“I got this idea to do a Christmas party geared especially for children with special needs,” Coon said.

She reached out to Christina Nenni, an owner of Best of Tymes Party Rentals in Albion, who offered to send costumed characters to entertain for the event.

Brody Hoffmeister, owner of Rudy’s Café in Medina, agreed to open his restaurant for the party, which is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Coon explained there will be activities suitable for children of different ages and disabilities. Activities will be segregated in separate areas of the restaurant so as not to overwhelm children with challenges. She suggests the party is suitable for children from 2 to 12, but older children will also be considered.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, along with Jolly Jingles, Frosty and the Grinch and Cindy Lou. Best of Tymes Party Rentals will also have their Christmas selfie station set up for photos with the characters. Activities will include cookie decorating. Children who may not interact well in a crowd can come to the door and Coon will give them a gift bag and cookie decorating kit to take home.

Coon asks that anyone with a disabled child who would like to attend to text her at (585) 283-9114 with the child’s disability and if they have any special dietary needs.

Breakfast pizza will be served.

Coon said some of her friends have made donations toward the event, but she is footing most of the bill herself.

“This is one good deed I can do this Christmas,” she said.