By Rocco Natale
The halls of Round Hill Community Center were full of Scandinavian “Hygge” as Open Arts Alliance partnered with Neighbor to Neighbor to host a food drive during the November 9th & 10th performances of “FROZEN Kids.”
Over 80 students and their families made up the nearly 600 people who enjoyed the musical production and participated in a food drive initiated by Open Arts Alliance’s Leadership Council. Audience members were encouraged to bring canned and non-perishable food to donate to Greenwich’s celebrated non-profit. Those who donated were then given a token for free popcorn at Olaf’s concession stand before or after the shows.
The collaboration came about as a fall initiative from the leadership council members and was meant to shine a light on food scarcity in our community at this critical time. Neighbor to Neighbor operates a “client choice” food pantry, designed to resemble a small grocery store. Clients select their own food from a healthy array of protein, fruits, vegetables, grains, cereals, eggs, and milk.
More than just theatre, Open Arts Alliance, is an educational non-profit which makes art, theatre, music and dance accessible to students and senior citizens with a decade strong history of free senior education and community outreach. The organization’s leadership council (students in grades 8-12) is charged with the task of identifying local needs and creating opportunities for community engagement to respond to concerns.
N2N’s Executive Director, K. Brent Hill, welcomed donations at the event and said, “we extend our deepest thanks for all the generous donations. Open Arts Alliance’s support is making a significant difference in the lives of individuals and families within our community, and we are incredibly grateful for their partnership.” Open Arts Alliance Treasurer, Kathy Walker added, “as a theatre company, we’re used to shining spotlights and our students felt there was no more deserving organization than Neighbor to Neighbor to spotlight and support.”
