09/22/2026
Some traditions are bigger than Christmas. 🎅🏻🎄
For more than 30 years, Thomas “Tommy” Warner brought Santa Claus to life for thousands of children through the Columbus Firemen’s Cheer Fund.
His journey as Santa began in 1951, when his son’s kindergarten class needed someone to play Santa. Tommy volunteered. He was so convincing that his own son didn't recognize him.
What started as a simple act of volunteering became a lifetime of bringing joy to children and serving his community.
“For Warner, it wasn’t a job. It was a privilege.”
That spirit extended far beyond the Cheer Fund. His granddaughter, Vicky Warner, shared that Tommy kept toys in the trunk of his car and would give them to children he encountered who needed a little cheering up. His love for children and his community wasn't limited to the holidays.
Last week, the Warner family donated an 8-foot mural of Tommy in a sleigh with children to the Columbus Firemen’s Cheer Fund, helping preserve a piece of the organization’s history and the story of a man who gave so much to our community.
But the mural represents something even bigger: legacy.
The impact of the Cheer Fund isn't just measured by the thousands of children it supports. It's found in the generations of volunteers, supporters and families who continue to give their time, resources and hearts to this tradition.
More than 40 years later, Tommy Warner’s family will join us for public boxing days and Delivery Day, continuing a tradition their grandfather was such an important part of building.
Santa was Tommy’s medium. Giving was his purpose. And his legacy continues through the generations.
That, to us, is what the Cheer Fund is all about.
A heartfelt thank you to the Warner family for bringing this beautiful piece of history back to the Cheer Fund and, just as importantly, for sharing Tommy’s story and memories with us. We are honored to help preserve his legacy and grateful that his family will continue to be part of the Cheer Fund story for generations to come. ❤️
