My PFO journey began in the middle of the second year. I heard about it because I was doing “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” and Jen Band (the founder of PFO) let us use her set. My mom and her got to talking about this PFO thing and my mom told her about me, her 13 year old daughter. Jen told my mom that PFO would be a great opportunity to use my love for theatre to help other children in my community. My mom told me about PFO and I was super excited! I had never heard of anything so perfectly fit for me! I got to act… and help people? It was unbelievable!
I was extremely nervous as I walked into my first PFO meeting, for the silent auction committee. I didn’t know what to expect. As soon as I walked into Jen’s house the teens sitting in a circle with noses in their notebooks looked up with huge smiles on their faces and each of them welcomed me like I was a celebrity. They were so acceptive and ready to get to know me! It was like they were this huge family! I loved it! I ended up working with the Poster Program Committee that year. We designed the poster and programs for “A Year With Frog and Toad.” That show was an amazing experience for me as well. Jen had such talent and I respected her more and more every rehearsal. Unfortunately I did not have a buddy that year due to my late arrival, but that all changed the third year.
The third year I was assigned to the Historian Committee. We would go around a shoot pictures of all the teens and their buddies for a big presentation during the Arts Festival Weekend. My buddy’s name was Chaz. Ben Eling and I were partners as we experience a growing friendship with Chaz. He was wild. All he did was run, and he had Ben and I tied around his little finger. I remember one time Ben was actually roaring like a lion on all fours just to make Chaz smile.
Chaz was the most memorable part of my second year with PFO. The show that year was “HONK!” the story of the ugly duckling. I was cast as Billy the duckling and that by far is my favorite role of all time. I had a blast getting to know Abby, Heidi, And K.W.A. who were the other three ducklings. The Winter ball that year was also a great experience, from holding hands in a circle singing “Hey Jude” to getting down to “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira. I had a blast and anxiously awaited my third year with PFO.
This being my third year, I have learned so much, so far. The Teens
have really stepped up this year. Jen is constantly working to make PFO better and it is amazing to watch how everything falls into place.
This year I am on the Costume Committee and having a blast! The show this year is “There’s a Monster in my Closet” I am playing the role of Steph with Allison and I am thrilled! I know this show will be another amazing experience and I cannot wait. The most wonderful thing that has happened so far this year is when I was partnered with Alex to be buddies with Isaac Johnson. This young boy comes from a huge family and is very shy at first, but alex had him talking a lot in no time! We played dress up the other day and his smile made my heart melt! I love this kid, he is amazing and has taught me so much about my own life. This year has been a blast so far and I cannot wait until the next meeting!
PFO is a life changing experience and something I have not taken for granted. I love this organization so much and there is always some way to get involved! I salute Jen Band for her AMAZING-NESS and her drive. She is one of the most amazing women I have ever met. I LOVE PFO!
