WBT Hosts Special Needs Children Matinee
For the past 36 years, Westchester Broadway Theatre has donated a matinee performance of one of its mainstage productions each year to the children residing in the area hospitals and in Group Homes in Westchester County. This Year the children will be treated to our new musical production of " JEKYLL & HYDE". THIS YEAR'S INVITES INCLUDE Edenwald Center, Hawthorne Cedar Knolls, Pleasantville Cottage School, Linden Hill, Rockland Children's Psychiatric Center, Lincoln Hall, St.
Christophers, Cardinal McClosky Home, Diagnostic Center in Pleasantville, NY Institure For Special Ed, PARC, and Sunshine Children's Home. There will be over 440 children and chaperones attending this performance. Approximately 15,000 children & chaperones have attended since the program began.
The children range in age from five up to eighteen. Some of the children reside in the residences due to physical or emotional disabilities, where their emotional, behavioral, school and family difficulties can be assessed. Others live in residential treatment centers which offer long-term care and schooling.Each of the homes is contacted by a staff member of the theatre, and a need of the institution is met by the donation of gifts which are presented at the end of the performance. Proceeds for the gift donations come from our generous audiences during the holiday season. These gifts include: Computers, Color Printers, Digital Cameras, Video Cameras, TVS, VCRs, DVD Players, Microwaves, Stereo Systems, Nintendo and Playstation Systems and Games. Some unique requests This year include a ping pong table and an aquarium bubble tube!The purpose for the donated performance is to give the children a chance to see a fully staged musical show free of charge. At the intermission ice cream, cookies and sodas are provided. Each year we are gratified by seeing how involved the children become with the experience of watching live theatre. The reaction of the children and the appreciation of the staff is the reason the owners Bill Stutler and Bob Funking continue to donate this special performance, and fill the gift requests year after year
The Owners of Westchester Broadway Theatre have, in its 36 year history, been very cognizant of the needs of our community and have initiated numerous opportunities for contributions.Other donations included Gift Certificates totaling in the amount of $30,000 to local Charities and Schools and other deserving organizations.
