LAMORINDA WEEKLY | The Peter Pan Foundation makes a difference through music and service


Photos courtesy Peter Pan Foundation

The Peter Pan Foundation is a nonprofit group in Lafayette, whose mission is to spread light, love and joy every day throughout the Bay Area at a dizzying pace, like when 10 princesses knocked on the door of a little girl with cancer, just to host a tea party to brighten her day.

This is all in a day's work for the foundation, which has had a busy few months: throwing a Super-Hero Christmas party for foster kids; being "knighted" by the St. Baldrick's Foundation for seven years of performances at the annual Children's Hospital shave event; helping the San Francisco chapter of Make-A-Wish fulfill wishes; offering special performances for kids with sensory issues, the deaf community, casting a Cinderella in a wheelchair in its upcoming spring benefit musical, and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars donated to worthy causes over the past 10 years.

"We inspire children of all ages to reach their full potential by building confidence, character and creativity through music and theatre, while instilling the value of community outreach and philanthropy," said founder Leslie Noel.

While the goal is to bring music and magic to all audiences, the performers benefit as well.

"Performing as Spiderman in the Easter Seals Bay Area event was my favorite event I've ever done," exclaimed teen Garrett Hannigan of Walnut Creek. "The kids were so amazing and kind and loving, as were the rest of our super squad. I'm always so humbled by these events and I hope that we never stop, because they are truly amazing."

This year the Peter Pan Foundation has partnered with the local Make-A-Wish chapter and has been helping present and fulfill wishes. John Jatoft of Concord, a father of a PPF member, stepped up recently to help present Jacob with his wish.

"As Batman, I was able to present our honorary hero with a special trip to Disney World Florida and Universal Studios," said Jatoft. "Jacob was surrounded by family and friends and we enjoyed a magical moment where wishes come true. I felt like I was the one that was granted a wish by this special young man and his family."

The Peter Pan Foundation will present its annual original musical "Wish Upon a Star" over the Memorial Day weekend at Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road, in Pleasant Hill. The magical musical adventure includes princesses, villains, heroes and many other beloved characters sure to delight audiences of all ages.

The show features more than 200 performers in several alternating casts, with show times at 2 and 7 p.m. on May 26, 27, 28 with the younger casts performing at 10 a.m. May 27 and 28. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students, seniors and military and can be purchased at www.peterpanfoundation.org. Proceeds benefit UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland.