When my children started kindergarten, I became a bit of a fixture in the Kindergarten/1st grade hallway where I would help with reading and math breakouts. Through the rest of their elementary school years I became a regular volunteer in their school library, helping them choose and check out books. Witnessing the kids’ excitement as they learned about the things they were passionate about was an absolute joy. Those years also gave me the opportunity to connect not only with my kids but with their school community.
This past year we have found a new way to volunteer. My husband and I were invited by our friends, Dennis Rabon and Paula Larson, to help serve lunch to the cast, crew and musicians on their full day rehearsal the week prior to opening night. Providing and serving lunch is just one way we can reward the students for their dedication and hard work.
I like to think that any little support we can provide enforces the safe and creative space that the fine arts offer to so many students. Showing them that we recognize how hard they are working encourages them to keep doing what they love. And much like those elementary school days, it has given us another way to connect with our daughter and her community as well as witness the joy the kids have in creating something big for others to enjoy.