One of the most wonderful things about the universe is that it places you where you are meant to be at the perfect moment in time. Growing up in the US, I often saw Fresno featured in the media which sparked my interest in visiting the central Californian state. However, I never knew that my eventual visit would be for a meaningful cause like the Bvlgari Save the Children Arte di Bvlgari after school program. Bulgari and Save the Children embarked on their partnership nearly 15 years ago with the jewelry brand providing funding for programs that further the organization’s mission to sustain vulnerable children. In 2019 the two partners created the Arte Di Bulgari after school program which provides arts enrichment to elementary school children via community-based arts programs. Arte di Bulgari provides this creative outlet to 1200+ students living in counties located in Texas and California. Since its start, the Arte di Bulgari program has celebrated International World Children’s day with a unique project created by the children. This year’s theme “World of Wonder” brought me to Fresno to meet this incredible group of third graders whose art you will see these days. The San Joaquin Valley has been called the breadbasket of the world as it produces a majority of the United States’ agricultural production. Many of the children’s parents and grandparents are agricultural workers whose wages hover at the poverty level making it difficult to provide food and school supplies. Rents are high, which creates scenarios where multiple families must share small spaces, and or fall victims to lack of shelter. As with many impoverished communities, gangs are a serious threat to the wellbeing of teenagers, and drugs and crime often rob children of parents and family members. When I walked into their class room with local artist Bobby Martin, it felt like walking into a living room. The space was safe, bright and colorful, and the children were absolutely free to be themselves, to be curious and share their thoughts. I will never know their individual stories, but I witnessed their joy as they painted their worlds of wonder. @bulgari @savethechildren @bobbyvon14