Each year, the UAC Foundation (a non-profit organization) donates the proceeds from the Nutcracker Tea Parties to the Wasatch County Children’s Justice Center.
Photo by Dave BrewerUtah Arts Collective (UAC) Foundation (formerly WDC Foundation) has created a Nutcracker Tea Party unlike any other. This holiday tradition is a one-hour, family-friendly event donating all the proceeds to the Wasatch County Children’s Justice Center (CJC).
In 2023, the UAC Foundation donated $35,500 to the CJC. It is the goal of the UAC Foundation to increase its donation each year, something that is possible because of the generous donors in the Heber Valley.
A UAC Nutcracker Tea Party features dancers from UAC in a narrated ballet set to the score of Pyotr Tchaikovsky and is the perfect way to introduce young children to the timeless, magical story of the Nutcracker.
“It was such a charming and fun event!” said Jenni Jones who attended the tea with her daughter Alice. “I loved seeing all the little girls faces and being that close to the dancing. And when the mouse cupcakes came out—gah! Every detail was perfection. I may have enjoyed it more than Alice!”
Party-goers enjoy goodies donated by local sponsors including Suss Cookies, Hawk & Sparrow Bread, and Midway Bakery while listening to the story of the Nutcracker. This year’s event will be held November 10-20 in the Midway Town Hall.
Utah’s Children’s Justice Centers provide a child-friendly atmosphere designed to help children feel safe and comfortable while they are being interviewed regarding alleged abuse. Audio and video equipment is used to preserve the interview for evidence and eliminate the need for multiple interviews.
In Wasatch County alone, the CJC interviewed 20 more children from 2019 to 2020. There are also hundreds of people served each year by the CJC through phone calls and walk-ins requesting diapers, clothing and school supplies.
Adam Knight, a business owner and longtime member of BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse) recongnizes the need for donations to continue for the CJC. “I have seen first-hand the difference the CJC makes for kids in our community,” he said. “It makes a big difference for a kid to have a safe place to go when their world is falling apart.”