What started as one teenager’s dream has grown into a full-blown Easter tradition in Grand Junction. With bounce houses, face paint, and joy in the air, Karoline Valdez’s free Easter event brought the town together on April 20 — and reminded everyone what a little heart can do.

An Event That’s All About Heart

Canyon View Park was buzzing.

Kids laughed. Parents smiled. Faces were painted. Eggs were hunted.

And at the center of it all was 17-year-old Karoline Valdez, running her third annual Easter celebration — completely free for the public.

“I just care a lot about kids,” she said, almost brushing it off. “I want to be that brightness in their life — a safe place.”

Her words hit different when you look around. There was nothing fancy about the setup, but it didn’t need to be. The warmth of it all spoke louder than any decoration ever could.

A Space for the Ones Who Needed It Most

Not everyone has family around during the holidays.

Valdez knows that. She’s lived it.

“I don’t think anyone deserves to be alone on a holiday,” she said. “Even if they don’t celebrate Easter. It’s about giving people a place to go.”

So this event? It wasn’t just for people who mark Easter on their calendar. It was for anyone who needed to feel seen. Needed to feel like they belonged somewhere.

Just one small moment stood out: a mom hugging her child while standing off to the side, tears in her eyes, quietly saying, “Thank you.”

Growing Year by Year

The first year was small. Some eggs. A few volunteers. Just enough to pull it off.

Now? This year’s event felt like a miniature festival.

• Bounce houses kept the little ones bouncing for hours
• Face painters transformed giggling kids into tigers and butterflies
• The egg hunt? Organized chaos — and completely adorable
• Dozens of volunteers helped direct, decorate, and keep things running

The crowd was noticeably larger than in years past. Valdez said it’s been amazing to watch the growth.

But even more than the numbers, it’s the spirit that’s grown.

A Personal Story Behind the Public Joy

Karoline isn’t just putting on an event — she’s putting pieces of herself into it.

“I grew up from a hard life,” she said. “I got bullied pretty bad… I decided not to let it take me down.”

Instead, she turned that pain into purpose. Each bounce house she rents, every egg she stuffs, every hour she spends organizing — it all stems from that decision.

Just one sentence hung in the air longer than the rest:

“I’d rather do this on Easter than be with my own family.”

It was honest. Maybe a little heartbreaking. But full of hope.

One Teen, Big Lessons

Valdez isn’t waiting until she’s older to give back. She’s doing it now. Her age? Doesn’t matter. What matters is what she’s showing other young people.

“It’s a great thing for young teens to start,” she said. “To help others. To grow from it.”

And she’s not stopping with Easter. Valdez also organizes a toy drive each year, giving even more kids a reason to smile when they need it most.

Here’s the thing — she’s not backed by a big nonprofit. There’s no corporate logo behind her efforts. Just grit, kindness, and a few helpful hands.

What Comes Next?

Valdez doesn’t have a formal roadmap. But her passion? It’s crystal clear.

She wants to do more. Reach more. Help more.

And most of all, inspire more.

Some teens post pictures. Others post change. Valdez is in the second group, quietly planting seeds that just might grow into something bigger than any event she could throw.