The sounds of Christmas filled Ruth Eckerd Hall Tuesday, getting students in the holiday spirit.
- Annual Children's Holiday Concert series underway
- Thousands of at-risk students were invited to attend the shows
- Annual concert presented by the Steinbrenner Foundation and the Yankees
It was all part of the annual Children’s Holiday Concert presented by The Steinbrenner Family Foundation and The New York Yankees.
Over three days, some 5,400 at-risk students in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties will attend three shows.
"For a lot of them it’s the first time they’re going to see an orchestra of this caliber and maybe the only time for some of them," said Hal Steinbrenner.
The late George Steinbrenner started the event 28 years ago. The concerts are intended to bring holiday spirit to at-risk and underprivileged children in the community.
"It’s about the kids,” said Steinbrenner. “I mean obviously it meant a lot to my dad it means a lot to my brother and sisters, I mean it’s our pleasure."
The kids enjoyed The Florida Orchestra playing everything from Christmas classics to favorite childhood sing-a-longs.
"Amazing, never seen anything like it, anywhere else," said 3rd grader Owen Toal.
Students even got a glimpse at the Nutcracker Ballet.
Yankees legend, Tino Martinez read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and Santa himself made an appearance.
"I thought it was pretty cool," said 3rd grader Merissa Muse.
Santa and the Steinbrenner’s made sure the children felt and heard the spirit of the season. Each child also received presents, handed out by the Steinbrenner family, New York Yankees, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Department, Tampa police, and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
"I liked how surprisingly it was all so fast and so bright," said Toal.