Holiday Cheer....Nutcracker Style

The Holidays are firmly here and what better way to ring in the season with the 12 year old red blooded boy that you mentor then a Saturday matinee of the Nutcracker? In all candor it was as part of our association the Washington Street Foundation; the incredible organization that provides incredible opportunities for 40+ valley kids in the valley. Armando admitted that he kind of liked the ballet, at least the visual image of girls prancing around in tights behind an insanely colorful and elaborate backdrop.

The Nutcracker is somewhat of a tradition with my family and I was happy to get a free chance to see what IB Anderson had up his sleeves this year. There's something magical about that production that extends beyond the legions of smartly dressed mothers and daughters. There's also something special about the Washington Street Foundation.

In the 18 months that I have been apart of the organization we have taken the kids to do the following things:

• Learn the art of bell making and the science of alternative community development from Cosanti
  
• Learn about college from visits to Scottsdale and Paradise Valley Community Colleges
• Visit the Out of Africa Wildlife Refuge and Phoenix Zoo
  
• Ponder the abstract genius of Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin
• Learn about nutrition and rudimentary culinary arts
• Visit the Mesa Museum of Art for the Muppet's display
• Learn the fundamentals of rock climbing and rappelling
  

The kids are introduced to culture, arts, science, and opportunities that would normally be beyond the limited means of their families. To top it all off they get college scholarships upon successful graduation from the program. Christmas is the time to express gratitude for things that truly enrich our lives. I'm not even a student but I've greatly benefited from the opportunity to be part of this group. I can only imagine the magnitude of positive influence it has over kids from difficult circumstances.