I was one of the few people who were the first to find out about PFO. I remember sitting in Freedom Park during the general informational meeting on a hot Sunday. That first year I helped PFO raise money for Lifespan and then in its second year, the Down Syndrome Association of Charlotte. From these I learned how wonderful Playing for Others truly is. Though I was in PFO during its first two years, during the third year I lived in England, and therefore was unable to be a part of PFO. Though this was a spectacular experience for me, I missed PFO very much, and couldn’t wait to come back and once again be a part of this wonderful organization.
Coming back during PFO’s fourth year, I was amazed to find how different it was. When I returned to Charlotte, I couldn’t wait for the start of the season again. However, during the retreat, I found that much had changed from the last time I had been a part of PFO.
The organization itself has changed, with a new Teen Executive Committee. Almost everything had changed, from the design and color of the t-shirts to the names of certain committees. I was absolutely astounded. When I first came to this program, it was absolutely wonderful; I thought that there could never be anything better. I have now been proved wrong.
Playing for Others has definitely been changed for the better, and definitely will grow to be one of the most influential programs in the world. We need more programs in which people use their passions to help the world around us.
Playing for Others continues to live up to its true and wonderful motto: Creating change through the power of the arts. Playing for Others has impacted my life so much, and also the lives of many others in the Charlotte community, including our buddies. Playing for Others embodies the true meaning of giving back, and now in its new, even better form, it is the perfect way for young artists to share their talent and change the world.