Staff Reports | Free Press Philanthropy
Arizona Broadway Theatre has received a $4,750 donation from the Peoria North Rotary Club to provide full scholarships for nine Valley children to participate in the organization’s HyRev performance troupe and one student to attend its upcoming Academy for Young Performers fall camp.
The donation will help ensure that aspiring performers, regardless of financial circumstances, have the opportunity to explore the arts and develop skills that benefit them on and off the stage, according to a press release.
“We were ecstatic to learn we were chosen to receive this funding,” said Stephen Hohendorf, education director at Arizona Broadway Theatre.
“Our education programs are growing at a rapid rate and support from the community is essential to our success. Without scholarships, these students wouldn’t be able to attend our programs. There was a rigorous scholarship application process, and we selected the students who showed the most passion and potential for growth in our programs.”
The Peoria North Rotary Club has a longstanding commitment to community enrichment, youth development and cultural engagement.
“As a retired teacher, I understand that music and movement are an integral part of how some people learn,” said Darlene Eger, Peoria North Rotary Club president. “As a fan of Arizona Broadway Theatre, I have attended many of the HyRev and student performances and am always impressed by the youngsters’ talent and dedication. I hope the students who received these scholarships come away from the experience with a sense of cooperation, increased self-worth and a feeling of accomplishment,” Ms. Eger said.
Arizona Broadway Theatre education programs aim to help children build confidence, enhance communication skills, foster teamwork and develop empathy — qualities that serve them well in school and future careers.
“When I was growing up, programs like ours would not have been available to me due to my family’s financial circumstances, so it is important to me to make sure no child is kept from the experience of our programs because of a financial challenge,” Mr. Hohendorf said. “With the right environment, support and encouragement, these kids, who might otherwise not get these opportunities, can soar.”
