ETC Cares and Children’s Aid Brought Holiday Magic to NYC Families

The holidays in New York City move fast, but some nights slow everything down in the best way. This season, ETC Cares partnered with Children’s Aid to welcome families to a special evening at Radio City Music Hall in NYC, providing 16 tickets plus a donation to help make the experience possible.

For many families, live events can feel out of reach. This effort arose from a simple goal: to remove a barrier and make room for families to be together, fully present, and immersed in the joy of the moment. ETC Cares focuses on community impact by supporting organizations and experiences that help people connect through live events.

The Power of Shared Experiences

There is a reason families hold onto “we did that together” memories for years. Shared experiences give kids and parents a chance to reset. They create inside jokes, tiny traditions, and stories that come up again and again at the kitchen table.

That is why this partnership centered on the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. It is the ultimate New York holiday tradition, yet the real beauty is what happens in the seats: a family leaning toward each other, reacting in real time, and leaving with something they can carry forward and cherish. The Christmas Spectacular is staged annually at Radio City Music Hall and has been the Rockettes’ signature production for over 90 years.

A Legacy of Limitless Potential: Understanding Children’s Aid

Children’s Aid has a clear mission: help young people succeed and thrive by providing comprehensive support to children, youth, and their families in targeted high-needs New York City neighborhoods. Their work stems from the belief that all children have limitless potential, and that financial limitations, instability, and stress create significant barriers for everyday life. Kids need the basic necessities to live, and arts and beauty to thrive, inspire, and envision what is possible.

Partnerships with organizations like Children’s Aid matter because they are built around what families need: stability, support, and opportunities that help young people feel seen and included. Sometimes that is academic help or wraparound services. Sometimes it is a night where a family gets to step into the city’s holiday energy and enjoy it together.

Unforgettable Moments: Stories from the Front Row

After the show, guardians described the night with holiday joy, consistently saying it felt like a rare chance to be together simply, mentioning that the kids stayed fully engaged, and discussing how the show became something they could talk about together, rather than just rushing back into the usual routine. Several families also shared how much they appreciated being included in a classic New York City holiday tradition, with more than one caregiver noting they would love to return in the future.

One guardian said: “The show was amazing and definitely a night to remember. Thank you to everyone who made it possible!”

A student attendee shared the impact from a child’s point of view: “The overall show felt magical, and the Rockettes were amazing! The storyline itself brought back NYC’s Christmas spirit. Thank you for giving my family and me this magical experience.”

Our Mission: Making Memories Possible for Every Family

When ETC Cares supports an effort like this, the goal is to meet families where they are and help make shared experiences feel possible. That mindset is reflected best in Abby Croell’s words about why this partnership mattered:

“Partnering with Children’s Aid felt natural because we both care about access. Our team believes live experiences should feel possible, not out of reach, and Children’s Aid is committed to opening doors for the families they support. We were grateful for the chance to help create a night of joy, presence, and shared memories.”

Children’s Aid does the year-round work of building pathways for kids and families across New York City. We are grateful to support that work in a way that honors what families deserve, especially during the holidays: time together, dignity, and memories that belong to them.