It’s always a good time to count our blessings.

Fortunately for me, I am doing just fine. I feel healthy most of the time, even though when I get up in the morning I have some aches and pains. But at least I get up.

My wife and I always seem so busy, but I cherish the time, limited as it is, that we spend together. My kids are doing great in high school, in college, in life. Pretty soon they will all be on their own, which makes me really sad, but proud and happy, all at the same time.

Spending time with my dog, who is a rescue, is incredibly special. I am so thankful that we chose each other.

I love my job here at Art in Action. I play a role in bringing the world of art to more and more kids everyday, especially to a growing number of students in schools who don’t have the same opportunities as others. What a wonderful thing to do.

Here at Art in Action, we are moving in such exciting directions like offering digital art, “freemiums” and planning STEAM-related programs. Thanks to a grant from Yahoo, we are so jazzed to be delivering a fabulous Latino art program.

Our Board members are passionate, smart, motivated and have the courage to embrace new endeavors. The AiA staff brings experience and dedication to work everyday. Our parents, volunteers and donors are incredibly generous and make everything possible.

Our plans through 2021 are ambitious and doable. We are embarking on a Movement to provide art to so many more kids. It will be exciting to see how we will advance our vision, change cultures and mobilize forces to raise money, visibility, advocacy and influence.

It’s a very good thing to help young visionaries and artists learn to keep their wings outstretched…and to let what is inside — out.

When I was coaching Little League, one of the other coaches used to tell the kids, “when you go up to bat, make sure you are wearing a helmet, take a deep breath and relax, get in the box and into your stance, focus on the pitcher, think about doing your best…then smile, because it’s a game and it’s supposed to be fun.”

What a great lesson in life.

So whatever you do and wherever you are this holiday season – be safe, relax, smile often and have fun.

And count your blessings today and everyday.
Ken Toren, Interim Executive Director