The History of Crippsmas Place

In the late 1960s on Cripps Place in Fremont, California, Robert “Spider” Cantley began what would become the cherished holiday tradition known today as Crippsmas Place. He created the display as a fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in loving memory of his mother, Nan, who lost her battle with leukemia.

For nearly 40 years, Spider and his neighbors transformed the surrounding streets each December with larger-than-life figures of beloved cartoon and animated movie characters, bringing joy to thousands of families each season while raising critical funds for charity.

From the late 1960s through 2004, Mr. Cantley organized the event and personally donated the proceeds to leukemia-related causes. In 2004, he retired and moved to Twain Harte, California. That same year, a dedicated group of neighbors—led by Kate Amon—formed the Crippsmas Club to carry on the tradition.

In 2006, the Crippsmas Club formally became a non-profit organization and expanded its mission to support five charitable partners. All members of the club are 100% unpaid volunteers.

Today, Crippsmas Place proudly supports the following charities:

• H.E.R.S. Breast Cancer Foundation

• Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments (SAVE)

• Adopt an Angel

• Ohlone Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

• Fremont Family Resource Center

The Crippsmas Club is dedicated to hosting our annual December fundraising event while promoting community, charity, and childhood joy. Each year, volunteers greet thousands of visitors, hand out candy canes, and collect donations that directly support families and individuals in need.