Playing for Others, (PFO) a nonprofit group that works with teenagers to train them to be more compassionate and philanthropic citizens, is celebrating 10 years of work in our city with two super fun events this week: Heartbeat and the Red Carpet Buddy Event for their musical, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”
Heartbeat
First up is their premier event, Heartbeat, an event where PFO teens create and perform original works of art to honor other Charlotte area nonprofits. This year, Heartbeat will take place on Friday, March 3 at 8:00pm at the McGlohon Theater. It’ll be a one-of-a-kind event honoring 12 local nonprofits through music, dance and digital art.
Red Carpet Buddy Event
The second event, and the most kid friendly, is their Red Carpet Buddy Event
for the performance of the musical, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”. As a part of their “Buddy Program,” PFO teens pair up with children with disabilities for a year-long relationship. They build connection through full group events based in the arts such as Music, Visual Art, seeing a show at Children’s Theatre, etc. In addition, they spend time together during “friend dates” where small groups of teens and buddies go out and do things friends do together — go bowling, to the movies, have a movie night, etc.
At the end of the year, the “buddies” with disabilities get all dressed up (some even rent tuxedos!), ride in limos to the theatre, and get escorted down the red carpet, complete with paparazzi, to a special performance just for them of that year’s musical.
This year, because it’s PFO’s 10-year anniversary, they’re doing some exciting things:
– They are bringing back the first show they ever did and the reason PFO started, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”
– Several of their “buddies” are actually going to be IN the show this year as Peanuts characters
– The show will be open to the public this year and celebrate the Disability community.
– This event is on Sunday, March 5th – 3pm red carpet – 4:30pm show at McKnight Hall on the UNCC campus.
Tickets for both events, and more information about PFO, can be found on their website: playingforothers.org
Two great ways to honor the disability community in our city! Hope to see you there, Smarties!
