Last week Monday the staff of Hilton Trinidad came out in their numbers to bring Christmas cheer to children from various special schools and homes, and the less fortunate, at the annual "Hilton Christmas Party for Kids with Special Needs." The party was held at the Grand Ballroom of Hilton Trinidad, perched above Lady Young Road.
Speaking to one of the officials at the event, he said: "This is the one time of year the staff are allowed to move from behind their desks and posts."Bartenders, chefs, kitchen hands, office clerks, supervisors, managers, desk workers and many others from various departments were on hand to assist in serving and providing supervision for the children. There were face paintings, appearances by Barney and BJ, and they were hugged and kissed all over. Barney and BJ could barely manoeuvre as they entered the spacious ballroom, as sweet parang music was provided by Los Amigos de la Pastora from Santa Cruz.
But the real star of the evening, apart from Santa Claus, was Mr Andrew Hipplewith, aka DJ Apples. In most children's Christmas parties, the star of the evening is Santa, but DJ Apples seemed to know just the right songs to play to keep the highly energised crowd going.The children took to the stage from the minute they finished enjoying their eats, to jump, dance and prance to their heart's delight.
Two selections generating the most response were Billie Jean by late great pop icon Michael Jackson, and Machel Montano's hit single Advantage. The little ones certainly took "advantage" of the ballroom's stage that evening.A dozen special education schools and centres were invited and the students all came out, despite being delayed by heavy rain.
Around 5.30 pm, that all so welcoming refrain, "ho ho ho! Merry Christmas! was heard, and then there was mayhem.Children literally covered Santa, so much so the poor mega star from the North Pole had to take a breather, returning to ensure that each and every child had a chance to sit on his lap, or take a photo with him.
On receiving their gifts, fully satisfied and no doubt spent, the children headed home, all giving thumbs-up for a thoughtful and well-appreciated gesture of goodwill.