Hi everyone! We are here to tell you a story of a hero and a heroine! Please take a minute to read about John and Jodi. John, AKA Santa, is currently in the ICU at the University of Iowa Hospital.

It's never really been an easy fairytale for them... it's a raw, real story of life. John and Jodi Philipp have brought love, hope, and happiness to the hearts of thousands of people. They have had their struggles like most but they are the type of people when you meet them, you love and respect them, not because you have to, it is because you want to.

John and Jodi are some of the most selfless, real, give the shirt off their back, no nonsense people we know, but they still have that fun aura, amazing sense of humor and infectious smiles!

They started out as a Brady bunch of sorts with his, hers, and then theirs. Then to spread their love even further, they began fostering many children and then adopting the one and only Moya. Moya is a special girl in many, many ways and one of her favorite things to do is helping her parents entertain at the Periwinkle Bed and Breakfast events in Chelsea Iowa. They host Murder Mystery Dinners, Halloween, and Christmas events which usually involve karaoke. Moya is especially good at playing the drums!

Before Periwinkle, John and Jodi had 2-Jo's Farm on Highway 30 which was completely destroyed by the derecho in August of 2020 (which surprisingly enough, their insurance company said nothing was wrong with the farm and sat untouched for two years at the insurance company's demand ). At 2-Jo's Farm, they had a complete Christmas Village and entertained many children and adults alike!

Around October 2011, John and Jodi created the Dear Santa Program which seeks people in need in which they raise funds to help them, whether that be a one last family vacation, clothes, toys etc…

John and Jodi have appeared as Santa and Mrs. Claus, to everyone's hearts delight for years. They have had many real reindeer over the years and a camel named Kringle. Moya and many others have assisted them as Elves. They even have a real sleigh! When the children write letters to Santa, Jodi keeps them in a book or, if she happens to know the parents or grandparents, Jodi gives them the letter as a precious keepsake.

Here is the kicker... amongst the Coronavirus, derecho destruction and family members passing--- on Tuesday, December 20th, John suffered a massive stroke and was life-flighted to the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa. Complete prognosis is unsure, but John will probably never be the John he used to be to the full 100%, maybe not even 50% (the doctors aren't forthright).

We would like to give back to Jodi and John, so we have decided to start this GoFundMe to help Jodi pay some monthly bills, probable huge medical bills, to have extra gas money to make the drive to see John everyday, buy groceries and necessities, etc... We would like to make it easier on her for a change to have the time and energy to focus on John and taking care of Moya! It's time we take care of Jodi and John as they have watched over all of us and spread joy and happiness in our hearts for many years! Trust me, if you live in eastern Iowa, you probably have been blessed by these two somewhere along the road of this life! Prayers for Santa are always welcome ❤️ Donations of any kind will help Jodi tremendously and will relieve the financial stress from her for a bit. She's humble and sometimes it takes a village. Thank you in advance.

Darcy Sarchett

Nancy Flack

Sara Walker