GIRL POWER! Blumenthal teams up with Girls on the Run Charlotte to Start New Ticket Fund
July 2, 2019 / Blog
By Liz Rothaus Bertrand Since 1996, Girls on the Run has been helping girls to become more physically fit as they build self-confidence, make new friends and develop other social and emotional skills. Born in Charlotte with one team of 13 girls, today the program serves over 1 million girls nationwide. In Mecklenburg and Cabarrus Counties alone, 4,000 elementary and middle school girls participate annually in the program.
Now, thanks to a new ticket fund, some local teams will get the chance to experience live professional theatre for the first time at Blumenthal Performing Arts.
The initiative was started thanks to a major contribution from a Girls on the Run board member who is also passionate about the arts. The fund makes it possible for one team of girls to attend a show during each fall and spring season, when Girls on the Run offers its 10-week sessions.
“It has truly been a joy to make this experience a reality for our girls,” said Girls on the Run Charlotte Director Maghan Knight, “and it would not be possible without Blumenthal and generous supporters that believe not only in our mission but also in the importance of the arts.”
ABOUT GIRLS ON THE RUN
Girls on the Run’s research-based curriculum has been shown to get girls of all fitness levels moving more, with those who are least physically active increasing their physical activity the most (i.e., by more than 40%!) Girls learn how to set goals and accomplish them as they train throughout the season for a 5K run. But the program is far more than a sports initiative.
“The social and emotional part of our program is truly transformational,” said Knight, noting that girls learn to better manage their emotions and become more positive about themselves and others throughout the program.
INTRODUCING GIRLS TO LIVE THEATRE
This past March, 16 girls and four coaches at Windsor Park Elementary School were the first GOTR team to attend a show at Blumenthal. Their transportation and tickets to see American Girl Live were completely covered by the fund. The school has been a long-time supporter of GOTR, fielding teams for the last six years.
"Many of our students have never even heard of the theatre so this has left a lasting impression on them,” said Liselle Kalambayi, Windsor Park Elementary Girls on the Run Site Liaison & Coach via a written statement. “The exposure has opened their minds to the many possibilities of the theatrical arts and its world. We thank you for giving them this wonderful opportunity."
In September, 45 girls and their coaches from Whitewater Academy will attend the musical ALADDIN. “It will be a really fun surprise for the girls,” said Knight.
Both Windsor Park and Whitewater Academy were among the 43 Title I elementary schools participating in Girls on the Run Charlotte during the 2018 - ‘19 school year. GOTR serves girls from all backgrounds, and it works hard to remove any barriers that could stand in the way of participation.
“One of our biggest goals is to make our program as accessible as possible,” said Knight. “We’ve been really working on it from many different angles.”
ELIMINATING BARRIERS TO PARTICIPATION
Approximately 50% of participants receive some form of financial aid, ranging from deep discounts on program fees to running shoes for girls who need them. Charlotte also was one of 14 councils that recently participated in a pilot program to adapt the GOTR curriculum and train coaches to make activities more accessible to girls with disabilities or physical challenges. The program, developed in partnership with the National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability, will roll out nationwide next year.
GOTR Charlotte’s partnership with Blumenthal is yet another example of how the organization is constantly innovating and expanding to best serve local girls. “We are always just trying to find new ways to invest in our girls in the Charlotte community,” said Knight. “This has been such a fun collaboration to be part of and we are so thankful to the generous individuals who make this possible for us.”
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
There are many ways to support Girls on the Run but volunteer coaches are at the heart of the program. They are currently accepting coaching applications for the fall season. More information on this and other opportunities can be found at www.gotrcharlotte.org/.
You can help more kids in our community have the chance to experience live theatre at Blumenthal! Make a contribution today by visiting Blumenthal | Arts for All.