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Our morning was filled with magical moments as we joined Santa to deliver gifts to the beautiful kids at ARC Broward. This is my second year leading the initiative with my incredible partner in crime MK. Consequently, it was also my second time attending the gift delivery. Last year, the event blew my away. When I left last year’s event my heart was full after watching these kids and their parents relish their moment with Santa and their gifts. I couldn’t wait to go back!
This year ARC Broward’s preschool is under new leadership, so we’ve been working with new people. Can I just tell you how amazing these people are? They do an incredible job educating, advocating and creating futures for people with disabilities. When we first arrived, Shawn ushered us into a room where ARC’s Culinary program had catered in breakfast. Their culinary program provides post high school education via a certificate to adults with disabilities. The food was absolutely amazing!
As we finished our amazing breakfast, ARC’s high school class came into the room to visit us. They performed a couple of songs and posed for pictures with all of us and Santa. It was magical. These high schoolers had incredible energy and were filled with joy. ARC’s commitment to these teens and young adults is to give them the skillset to find a job they want in the community. Indeed, it’s all about creating opportunities for these students to excel.
Afterwards we headed over to the preschool to start handing out the gifts. I struggle to words that adequately describe how beautiful and amazing it is to watch these kids receive their gifts and see Santa. While some were afraid to sit on Santa’s lap, many were excited beyond belief. They bounded with joy to get their presents and see Santa. Their innocence, excitement, happiness and gratitude were overwhelming. It’s hard to watch without getting misty.
I was so excited to buy for my angels after having met them both last year. These two girls are incredibly sweet and full of energy. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to give one of my angels her gift today. Moreover, I was able to meet her mom (who’s incredible) and chat with her for a bit. Many times we donate to charities or toy drives and don’t have the luxury of getting to witness the child receiving the gift. I can tell you that there is nothing better than watching a child receive that gift.
It’s no wonder that we left today’s event with a full heart and complete joy. There’s something beyond gratifying in making someone’s world a little better. As we go on our journey around the sun, it is easy for us to get stuck in the rat race. We don’t have to be stuck! We can live our legend, even if we’re punching the clock at a 9 to 5. Sure we’re not crossing the Sahara looking for an alechemist, but we can find ways to fee our soul. For me, it’s paying it forward via Angel Tree or raising funds an awareness for pancreatic cancer research. It doesn’t have to be grandiose to be magical. It would be a small, purple pony that you give to a little sister who didn’t think she’d be getting a gift. Sometimes it’s all about the small things.
Tonight’s song performed by U2 is “Christmas.”
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