This profile of Veronica Underwood, a local singer who was discovered at one of Fairmount Park Conservancy's holiday events in the historic mansions of Fairmount Park in 2016, and then asked to perform in 2017, tells the story of why the historic mansions and their grounds were so important to her as a young girl growing up in a rough part of North Philly. She personifies the mission of the holiday events known as "A Very Philly Christmas" in which concerts feature performers who live near the park, food made by local chefs and restaurants, and beautifully maintained historic mansions bedecked for the holiday season. That mission is to bring people in the surrounding communities into the parks, allow them to enjoy the mansions and the beauty of the parks in winter, and highlight the restoration and preservation work that FPC does year-round. More than that, Veronica will underline why having nature within reach can heal the soul, and it will touch your heart to hear her telling of how a park and mansion became her solace and sanctuary, and helped her get through life.