Freeport, Bahamas -
Families in Grand Bahama will have
the unique opportunity to bring a bit of the world into their own homes
between
February 19th
– 25th when an international
cast of
Up with People arrives in Freeport, a stop on their 2011 world
tour.
Host families are being sought
to
keep one or more students from Cast A 2011, the
100-member Up with People
cast which represents 20 countries and more than 25 states. “It
is a great opportunity to experience other cultures while sharing your
own,” explained Reed, a Promotion Representative for the group.
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 place to sleep, local transportation, 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 a to be decided location on
Thursday, February 24th at
7p.m. at the
Jack Hayward Gymnasium. Tickets are $10 for Adults and $5 for Children (12 and under) and are available at Pelican Bay Hotel.
Host an
Up with People Cast Member
“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 Reed. 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 otherwise experience in the Bahamas,
Reed added.
Local families on the island are being
sought to host the cast members between the 19th
and 25th
of February. Those interested in hosting are encouraged to contact Shawna
Reed on the Grand Bahama Advance Team at sreed@upwithpeople.org or bserna@upwithpeople.org OR by
calling 242.533.6857 or 439-6451
Up with People’s visit to Grand
Bahama is sponsored by the Pelican Bay Hotel with support from our beneficiary,
the Grand Bahama Youth Choir and with support by The Bahamas Weekly.
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
.