Families in Orlando will have the unique opportunity to bring a bit of the world into their own homes from February 7 – 13, 2011 when an international cast of Up with People arrives in Orlando a stop on their 2010 world tour.
Host families are being sought to keep one or more students from Cast A 2011, the 100-member Up with People cast and staff which represents 21 countries and more than 15 states. “It is a great opportunity to experience other cultures while sharing your own,” explained Promotions Representative Chelsey Panchot.
The opportunity to stay with local families during their stay in each community is a centerpiece of Up with People’s 22-week program. The giving goes both ways…while families share their traditions and local attractions; the cast members share their experiences and cultures.
Local host families are asked to provide a bed, local transportation at the beginning and end of each day, as well as breakfast and most dinners. While gone during the day, participating in regional learning, community service and show preparation, most evenings cast members will be home with the family to participate in their activities and interests.
In addition to many wonderful experiences with their new “son” or “daughter,” each host family will receive two complimentary tickets to the Up with People Show which will be held at Olympia High School on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 7:00 PM.
“I can honestly say that the dozens of families who have opened their homes to me during my time with Up with People is one of the most meaningful and memorable experiences I have had,” said Panchot. I still stay in contact with many of them and I believe they will remain lifelong friends,” she added.
Those with smaller children or young teens in their home often find that the Up with People cast members are wonderful role models and provide a glimpse into other countries, cultures and traditions they might not often experience in Orlando, Panchot added.
Local families in the Orlando area are being sought to host the cast members between February 7, 2011 and February 13, 2011. Those interested in hosting are encouraged to contact Chelsey Panchot on the Orlando Advance Team at [email protected] or by calling 218.355.0239.
Up with People’s visit to Orlando is sponsored by Overdrive Direct Marketing and Intelligent Automotive Marketing.
Up with People is an independent nonprofit, [501(c)(3)] organization without any religious or political affiliations. It provides young adults an international and intercultural experience that teaches service leadership and uses the performing arts to deliver messages of hope and goodwill throughout the world. Up with People exists today to spark people to action in meeting the needs of their communities, countries and the world while building bridges of understanding as a foundation for world peace. For more information visit www.upwithpeople.org.
