History of the Organization
Pilot year: 2006-2007
Partner Organization: LifeSpan Members: 29 teens
Program Developments:
● August – September 2006: LifeSpan, agrees to act as the “host organization” so that all funds can flow through them allowing tax-deductible donations
● January – February 2007: Teen committees are formed and teens send out “partnership letters” asking friends and family to support LifeSpan
● April 2007: First show, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” is performed
What We Donated:
$22,426.00 donated (original goal of $5,000)
Year 1: 2007-2008
Partner Organization: Down Syndrome Association of Charlotte Members: 47 teens
Program Developments:
● September 2007: “Buddy program” is introduced.
● October 2007: PFO merges with existing non-profit “Emma’s Gifts”
● January, February 2008: Teens work to secure corporate sponsors for program costs.
● Arts Festival 2008
Theatre – “A Year with Frog and Toad”
What We Donated:
$25,000 donated – begin endowment for summer camp
Year 2: 2008-2009
Partner Organization: Easter Seals/UCP Members: 55 teens
Program Developments:
● August 2008: First Teen Weekend Retreat held. Special guest speaker, Mike Whitehead and representatives from Autism Society and Easter Seals/UCP come to speak to teens.
● February 2009: Music and Visual Art Experience added. Songwriting competition for local teenagers added to compliment the music experience.
● Arts Festival 2009
Theatre – “Honk”
Music – Concert & Songwriting competition finals
Visual Art – Display
What We Donated:
$15,000 donation – general operating support
Year 3: 2009-2010
Partner Organization: Mitey Riders Members: 63 teens
Program Developments:
● August 2009: First full time employee hired, Executive Director Jen Band. Begin inviting outside artists to come in during events and share their talents at Buddy Events and during Arts Festival
● December 2009: First Senior Project- show directed by two PFO teens. $1440 raised, $720 donated to Arts for Life, a NPO that brings Visual Arts to children with cancer and other serious blood diseases.
● February 2010: Visual Arts Competition for local teenagers added to compliment the Visual Arts Experience.
● February 2010: First PFO Winter Ball to increase membership
● Arts Festival 2010:
Theatre – “There’s a Monster in my Closet”
Music – Concert & Songwriting competition finals
Visual Art – Juried Art show and sculpture reveal
What We Donated:
$15,000 donation– purchase a new therapeutic horse and trailer
Year 4: 2010-2011
Partner organization: Metro School Members: 64 teens
Program Developments:
● July 2010: First teen leadership only retreat
● August 2010: Children’s Book idea introduced and formed into a committee.
● October 2010: First PFO Open Houses held at Whitehead Manor
● December 2010: First Annual PFO Holiday party
● Arts Festival 2011
Theatre – “Pied Piper – The Musical”
Music – Concert & Songwriting competition finals
Visual Art – Juried Art show and sound garden reveal
Book – The Lost Daisy
What We Donated:
Soundbeam Virtual Music Program donation to Metro School
Sound garden installation in Metro School courtyard
Year 5: 2011-2012
Partner Organization: Helping the Outcomes of Parents with Exceptional children (HOPE) Members: 70 teens
Program Developments:
● June 2011: Teen Exec and Teen Chairs have separate retreats
● September 2011: PFO participates in Festival in the Park
● Arts Festival 2012:
Theatre
Music
Dance
Book