Mark Freeman with the Mesa community East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at Rancho de Artes

Spreading Holiday Cheer at Rancho de Artes with EVHCC

Last week, I had the delightful privilege of joining the East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at Rancho de Artes for a truly heartwarming holiday event. The joy of being part of this festive occasion, especially arriving in a red fire truck with Santa Claus, was an experience I'll always cherish.

The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as we welcomed Santa. Seeing the children's faces light up with joy and surprise was a reminder of the magic this season holds. It wasn't just about the fun activities like face painting or the delicious treats from Maria at the Paleta Bar; it was about coming together as a community to celebrate and share in the holiday spirit.

One of the most touching aspects of the event was our collective effort to raise funds for local families. Thanks to everyone's generosity, we were able to provide $135.00 gift certificates to five deserving families. Witnessing the community's unity and willingness to give back was truly inspiring.

Events like these embody the spirit of Mesa – a community that cares, supports, and uplifts one another. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a giving community and look forward to many more events where we can come together and make a positive impact.