About Santa Steve
While visiting the Phoenix Arts Festival in 2007, I happened to stop by the Hollywood Regency Vintage Clothing store in the Melrose District. The owner, Heidi Owen, smiled warmly as I walked in the door. In the back of the store a vintage 1952 Santa Suit caught my eye. I couldn’t stop thinking about it, even after I left the store; something kept pulling me back to the store and the suit. My partner and Heidi encouraged me to try the suit on, and in that magical moment I knew I had a future as Santa. Heidi further encouraged me by donating the suit if I would put it to good use. That year I was Santa for the neighborhood children and for pictures with pets for a no-kill animal shelter.
Sadly, Heidi passed away in 2010. Santa Steve is dedicated to Heidi’s memory and her strong sense of community, caring, and concern for others. Santa Steve will forever carry the heart, love and kindness of Heidi. Even though some events are for profit, Santa Steve will always be geared towards helping others, ultimately providing kindness, sincerity, and respect for everyone, no matter what the circumstance of life.