VPAC presented with large donation

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A local non-profit received a big financial boost today as it prepares to bring back a holiday tradition.

Students from Lowell Elementary got a surprise as they rehearsed portions of "The Nutcracker" at school Friday afternoon. ABC 30 and The Walt Disney Company presented the Valley Performing Arts Council, or "VPAC", with a check for $20,000 as part of Disney's "Be Inspired Community Grant Program."

VPAC artistic director Yukari Thiesen says teaching children the classical arts will help them succeed on stage, and beyond. "They understand how much more depth and how much more steps they have to make the effort. And that teaches them kind of a life lesson."

The kids from Lowell Elementary will join professional dancers from Fresno and Sacramento to perform The Nutcracker on November 28th and 29th at the Saroyan Theater downtown.