Folsom, Calif. –(Dec. 31, 2024) – Matches from Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Sacramento Area experienced the magic of Sacramento Ballet’s Nutcracker by invitation of SAFE Credit Union this holiday season.
Continuing in its efforts to support nonprofits and the vibrancy of the downtown area, the credit union sponsored a group of Big Brothers Big Sisters to attend a matinee performance. For many it was the first time attending the ballet including Little A’Royal Keys, 10.
“I thought it was very great. I liked the candy part,” says Keys, adding the best part was the dance of Mother Ginger and Her Polichinelles. “It’s very awesome and you should really go. (And) there was a lot of dancing and there were surprising parts.”
Big Brother Steven Herrera of Orangevale and Little A’Royal Keys pose with Sacramento Ballet Second Company Dancer Abby Burnette.
Bigs and Littles in attendance were treated to a special reception with lunch and treats as well as memorabilia before meeting Sacramento Ballet Second Company Dancer Abby Burnette.
“I really appreciated how generous SAFE Credit Union was with the seats and the donor's box and all of the extras,” says Big Brother and Orangevale resident Steven Herrera, who thought it was important for his Little, A’Royal Keys, to see a performance live and “in-person” instead of just on a video screen. “That was such a great opportunity for RoRo to experience something like that.”
A not-for-profit credit union, SAFE shares in the credit union cooperative principle of “people helping people” through community initiatives. Building upon its 25-year, $23 million naming rights commitment and investment in the SAFE Credit Union Convention & Performing Arts District in Sacramento, the event highlights the credit union’s investment in Sacramento’s economy.
“SAFE was delighted to bring this special matinee performance of the Nutcracker to Bigs and Littles from our communities,” says SAFE Credit Union Community Impact Manager Lauren LeBov. “We hope experiencing the show together added to the magic and the memories of attending the Nutcracker and the ballet.”
Before the performance and on stage, Sacramento Ballet Artistic/Executive Director Anthony Krutzkamp welcomed and recognized the Bigs and Littles attending the performance.
“Sharing the magic of this holiday tradition with the youth of Sacramento is an incredible opportunity to inspire and ignite a love for the arts,” Krutzkamp says. “I can’t say thank you enough to SAFE, to buy those tickets. Those were amazing, authentic, wonderful, tickets. I can’t say thank you enough.”
Little Rose Shatara poses with Sacramento Ballet Second Company Dancer Abby Burnette.
Big Sister Stephanie Allen of Penryn and Little Sister Saliyah Keefer visit with Sacramento Ballet Second Company Ballet Dancer Abby Burnette before showtime.
Big Sister Stephanie Allen of Penryn, thought it was wonderful for her Little Sister Saliyah to watch the story of the Nutcracker unfold with no dialogue and through music and movement from the dancers.
"This was Saliyah’s first ballet and I was so grateful for the chance to introduce her to a totally new art form and experience it together," says Allen. "I think meeting the dancer Abby and learning what it takes to be a professional ballerina was the highlight for her.”
Sacramento Ballet Second Company Dancer Luna Quaglia visits with Little Sister Amaiyah Taylor and Big Sister Megan Lyons of Orangevale during the Nutcracker’s intermission.
Big Sister Alyssa Sibley, of South Natomas, and Little Sister Nareiah Dillon prepare for the ballet’s matinee Nutcracker performance.
Little Sister Rose Shatara and her mother Crystal Shatara, also attending the performance, review the Nutcracker’s program before the show.
Grandmother Linda Savage-Mitchell and Little Kimberly Mitchell, both of Elk Grove, pose with Sacramento Ballet Second Company Dancer Abby Burnette before showtime.
For more information email [email protected].
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About SAFE
SAFE Credit Union has made members an integral part of its vision since 1940. Over the years the credit union has kept the focus on what really matters, putting members first, a formula that has seen SAFE grow into a leading financial institution in Northern California with $4.3 billion in assets and about 236,000 members. SAFE crafts every cutting-edge product and sterling service with members’ needs foremost in mind. In addition to banking services conveniently available through online, chat, mobile, or phone options, SAFE offers in-person services for members and small businesses at service centers across the Greater Sacramento region. SAFE is a not-for-profit, state-chartered credit union with membership open to businesses and individuals living or working in Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado, Sutter, Butte, Nevada, Solano, San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Yuba, Amador, and Alameda counties. Insured by NCUA. www.safecu.org
About Sacramento Ballet
Since 1954, Sacramento Ballet has been a beacon of artistic excellence in the California Capital Region, delivering world-class dance performances, education, and community outreach programs. A cornerstone of Sacramento's cultural community, its mission is to enhance the human condition through dance and to make it accessible to everyone. Unique among local arts organizations, Sacramento Ballet welcomes internationally renowned dancers and choreographers to live and create groundbreaking artistic works right here in our beautiful city, and serves as a representative of California's thriving cultural scene on national and international stages. Sacramento Ballet is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, funded by ticket sales, individual donations, corporate, foundation, and government support. Visit www.sacballet.org
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Sacramento Area
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Sacramento area operates under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life, and we work to develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people. Our one-to-one mentoring program primarily benefits children, ages 7-18, who are being raised by single parents, grandparents or other extended family, and foster families. Our mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships with trusted adults which ignite the independence and creativity of youth. By partnering with parents/guardians, volunteers, and community members we are accountable for ensuring every child in our program has the opportunity to set high aspirations; gain greater confidence, and experience being involved in healthy relationships; build skills and tools to help avoid risky situations and behaviors; and receive resources and support to reach their educational goals. Visit: https://www.bbbs-sac.org/