Actually, some kids have been asked to sell their work. Some kids have been encouraged by their friends and their families to maybe pursue a career. If they've been on the edge, maybe it made them realize -- especially if they won an award -- that they might pursue some art-related field.

They had kept us off when we were hitting the ball up but not hitting it out. The kids were getting solid hits. They are getting a hold of it when [the pitch] is slower because then they can see it, but that also means that then they can be more patient and disciplined when they are hitting. And they are getting better at it.

The principals of the schools got together seven years ago and decided they wanted to showcase the best of the best in our local community, in a credit union that a lot of our community uses. We give out monetary prizes and award certificates, and we have a reception. It's been going great.

We have everything there, from jewelry to ceramics to print-making. Any medium that we teach.

It makes you tear up a bit just to see that the kids can do something for you. There's one resident who knew that I did not have breakfast, lunch or dinner yesterday. At 10 at night, she was shoving crackers in my pocket telling me to keep my strength up as we were walking through here. I made her take them back, but they try and give back as well too.

Our players and staff learn more than the kids do.