Broadway Kids Care (BKC), the organization of theater kids for kids (and others), will appear on "Good Morning America" on Monday, December 22, 2008 during the 8:30 a.m. half hour as part of GMA's ‘Warm Coats & Warm Hearts' Drive.
In addition to donating coats, kids from such shows as Billy Elliot, 13, All My Sons, Mary Poppins, South Pacific, Gypsy, The Little Mermaid and The Lion King will also be donating scarves they've knit for their second annual "Knitting Project" during which they ask their fellow company members (both on-stage and behind-the-scenes) to join them in knitting scarves and other warm items. Their creations will be donated to the residents of the Lillian Booth Actors' Home as well as residents of Freedom House NYC, a New York City shelter for disabled women and children who are victims of domestic violence. The project will be ongoing through January 2009.
"Nothing is sadder than to see someone cold during this time of year," said Gabby Malek, Chair of the Children's Committee. "Broadway Kids Care wants to share some of the warmth from our hearts, by donating handmade scarves and collecting coats for those in need."
Later this winter, the children will also perform a special holiday concert at The Actors' Home, where they will be distributing the scarves.
Broadway Kids Care was founded in 2007 by Kelly Gonda, President of East of Doheny as a way to bring together children from current and past Broadway shows while allowing them the opportunity to perform community service. During its brief history, BKC's members have participated in a variety of charitable works including: creating Halloween and Easter baskets for the children of Freedom House NYC, knitting scarves for the residents at the Lillian Booth Actor's Home, making peace/friendship bracelets for the troops in Iraq, creating hats for children undergoing chemotherapy at the Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital and raising money for the UNICEF / Pampers One Pack=One Vaccine Program, among other projects.
BKC's dream is to become a nationwide organization, and ultimately, a global one. For more information about Broadway Kids Care, visit their website at www.bwaykidscare.com.
Photo by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.
