Our stars have been making the scene this week! On Wednesday, five of us performed for 100 women and men at the North Oakland Senior Center for their afternoon ice cream social. We shared our talents on stilts (of course) then presented a 20-minute show that included clowning, juggling, acrobatics and our rolling globe act. The audience as so appreciative and full of smiles, shouts, and applause. Thank you, North Oakland Senior Center and Mary Norton for hosting us!
On Thursday evening, we attended the Save After School reception hosted by the Partnership for Children and Youth. It was a celebration of a major victory for after school funding. After a decade of flat funding, joint efforts resulted in CA state legislators and Governor Jerry Brown ensuring $50 million for the After School Education and Safety (ASES) program. Our youth showed UP on stilts to greet the men and women responsible for this success and gave it their all with a performance as part of the event.
After, we got to meet former Senator and founder of Partnership for Children and Youth, Loni Hancock, Assembly Member Tony Thurmond, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Torlakson. We also saw many of our friends from Higher Ground, East Bay Asian Youth Center, and Bay Area Community Resources. We were super proud to have been there.
Credit: Partnership for Children and Youth
After, we had a very well-deserved dinner as our own celebration.
These have been great events to strengthen our group in getting ready to go to the American Youth Circus Festival in just a week and a half.
Thanks for reading!