Dragons are awesome, but friends are even better.
Here's a story I must share. It is a story about magic — the magic of dragons that comes to life in a spectacular stage show, and the magic of friends who make the dreams of children come true.
St. Catherine's Center for Children offers residential and foster care services for traumatized children. Many of our children have been neglected or abused, and some struggle with behavioral problems and mental health issues. These special-needs children deserve all that we can do for them.
When our children learned that the stage production of "How to Train Your Dragon" was coming to the Times Union Center, they could hardly contain their excitement. They simply had to attend the show. The cost of sending our children — and required support staff — would have been a challenge, but we didn't want to disappoint them.
We reached out to the show's promoter and the Times Union Center. After learning about St. Catherine's, they agreed to donate tickets. Our residential and foster care children attended the Oct. 4 performance. And what an evening it was.
The children were treated to a spectacular show with absolutely stunning special effects. Of course, it was about more than just entertainment. Our children — each of whom has faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles in their own lives — were reminded that each of us faces challenges, and we can overcome them.
To the show's promoters and the Times Union Center, thank you for the role you played in bringing "How to Train Your Dragon" to our children and for bringing magic and hope into the lives of a group of youngsters who richly deserve it.
JOANNE GAMBINO- MOREHOUSE
Director of development
St. Catherine's Center
for Children
Albany