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Who We Are
So you can put faces with the effort, take a little time and get to know us. We are all connected to this community and this effort in various ways. All of us have an affinity for this beautiful town and the struggles its households face following record flooding. Many of the people who lost everything are our friends, neighbors and family. We want to do all we can to ensure, despite recent events, the children of Hot Springs have the most memorable Christmas ever.
JEFF VARNER
Toy Drive, Sortakinda Local​
Jeff is a real estate broker based in Greensboro NC, yet spending about as much time in Hot Springs as a local. Jeff started visiting the area in the late 80's, making it a multi-year stop for close to close to 40 years. With friends and family now living in the area, the locals and their children have become important to Jeff. A former television news anchor, reporter, and TV host, Jeff has worked in major markets around the nation inlcuding Hollywood and New York City. Though he's survived three separate seasons as a contestant on Survivor, Jeff considers co-hosting Live with Regis and Kelly as perhaps the coolest.
JESSE DAVIS
Hot Springs Resort & Spa
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If you've seen a gnat in front of a floruescent light bulb, you have a pretty good idea of Jesse Davis. As the staff manager of the Hot Springs Resort and Spa (one of the jewels of the Hot Springs economy), he juggles a lot and with a dash of sass and fun. With the spa wiped out, Jesse feels the need to help the town more so than most. He is in charge of intake. He receives and manages the toy storage.
GARY and KAREN GOSS
Owners, Iron Horse Station
Gary and Karen Goss have owned the “Iron Horse Station~Inn, Restaurant and Shops” since 2018; it was
their special get-away spot for 10 years prior to purchasing this beautiful historic building. The Iron
Horse Station is known for its delicious homemade food, including hand-cut steaks, local trout and
arguable the best bacon cheeseburger you’ll ever eat! The Iron Horse Station houses a fifteen-room inn above the restaurant
and shops. In the inn, guests are treated like family. The Artisun and Mountain Home Properties occupy
the Iron Horse storefronts. They're thrilled to play host to our event.
WONDER WOMEN
Mom's on the Ground​
A small group of mom's (who wish to remain anonymous) have worked to build the wishlist for our drive. They've based their curation on gifts and toys they know their kids and the children of their neighborhoods would enjoy receiving. These are sweet little mountain kids. They're a unique breed. We are grateful to have them helping us help the children of Hot Springs.