Adele Anaya, a 9-year-old from Brush Prairie, came up with the idea to give vulnerable children the opportunity to go to a play or a concert or a museum

Paul Valencia
ClarkCountyToday.com

It was a trip to a museum in Portland that inspired the idea.

It is her faith, her love for Jesus, that motivates her heart.

And now, 9-year-old Adele Anaya of Brush Prairie is the president of a nonprofit organization that brings meaningful, joyful experiences to vulnerable youth and community members.

Adele and her family went to OMSI last summer.

“I was just thinking tickets were getting really expensive. Mom and I thought it would be really cool to do something to raise money to buy tickets for kids who can’t afford it … and we did,” Adele said.

A few months later, Tix for Tots was born, with one of its taglines: An investment in our children “One Ticket at a Time.”

This is a family project, too. Mom Leah is the vice president. Dad, Jeff, is the treasurer. Younger brother Mateo is “security.” But don’t worry, he only uses Nerf guns in self defense. Family friend Cemal Richards is the secretary.

In just a few months, Tix for Tots has been able to donate tickets to nine families to see plays in the region.

It is not just a chance to see live theater, or go to a movie, or see a concert.

“I want to show people the love of Jesus and make them feel love,” Adele said.

“We are Christians in our home,” Leah said. “We like to show Jesus’ love whenever we can.”

Adele also performs in youth theater and is a dancer. In dancing competitions, she often uses Christian music. Adele said she knows she is blessed. She just wants to help others experience the arts.

“When she comes up with things like this, for us as parents, we know we’re doing something right,” Jeff Anaya said. “Her heart was, ‘I get to do this for Jesus all the time. I get to act. I get to dance. But there are other people who don’t get to experience that joy. I want to be able to bring that to them in a way I can.’”

In the logo for Tix for Tots are two tickets displaying Bible verses.

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

And

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12

There is more to Tix for Tots than just tickets to an event. Leah and Adele looked into the bigger picture.

“Adults who report positive childhood experiences have better mental health and healthier relationships as adults,” Leah said. 

Raising funds for tickets to the arts is a nice thought, Leah told Adele, but she asked if it was actually going to make a difference.

“We did some research,” Leah said. “It’s something that can have a lasting effect. She wanted to do it.”

Tix for Tots is a charity organization. All donations are tax deductible. 

Tix for Tots has also reached out to other organizations, such as Bridge the Gap, in order to get in touch with more people in need. This is only the beginning for Tix for Tots.

“I really want it to last as long as it can,” Adele said.

To donate to Tix for Tots, go to: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/give-the-gift-of-experiences

For more information, visit Tix for Tots on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/tixfortots