The Tesoro Cultural Center will continue its southwestern tradition of lighting the farolitos (meaning ‘little lanterns’) to usher in the holiday season and to honor a member of the community who has enlightened the hearts, minds and souls of others. The Tesoro Cultural Center will kick off the holiday season with live musical entertainment, seasonal carols and the lighting of the farolitos. The event honors a member of the community who has enlightened the minds and souls of our community. This year’s honorees, Bob and Charlotte Baron have actively served and volunteered for a range of nonprofit organizations in the Denver Metro area for over twenty five years. Bob has served as Vice Chairman of the Audubon Society, Chairman of the Wild Foundation, President of the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation, and as Chairman of the American Antiquarian Society. Charlotte has served as the Chair of Auraria Library Advancement Council, Trustee of Friends Foundation of Denver Public Library, as well as provides in kind materials for the Denver Art Museum’s Asian Art Association. Charlotte also serves as Secretary on the Tesoro Cultural Center’s Board of Directors. Not only have they made a significant impact on the community through their philanthropic contributions, but Bob and Charlotte also work together at Fulcrum Publishing, an educationally focused publishing company in Golden, CO whose mission is to publish “books that inspire readers to live life to the fullest and to learn something new every day.” Bob and Charlotte Baron have truly enlightened the minds and souls of our community. The Farolito ceremony begins with seasonal carols led by members of the southwestern musicians, complimentary hot spiced apple cider, coffee and biscochito cookies. After a brief ceremony, all guests are invited to join in the traditional pinecone ceremony. Everyone attending the event will place a passed loved one’s name on paper tucked into a pinecone. At the conclusion of the evening, the pinecones are all placed into the courtyard campfire. The resulting sparkles of light and bright fire glide upwards, carrying messages into the sky. The event is free and open to the public. Outside event, dress warmly.