Talented Teens Give Back to Peers in Need

The young characters in the rock musical Spring Awakening go through many of the same challenges that the average teen faces. The show does not shy away from addressing taboo issues like teen suicide and family abuse. For this reason, the talented local teens that make up the cast have chosen non-profit counseling center Tykes & Teens as the beneficiary of the StarStruck Cares program for this production, which runs July 4-6th at StarStruck Theatre in Stuart.

The program seeks to raise money for a local charity whose work aligns with the theme of the show being produced. During a recent production of Once on this Island, the young performers raised more than $2,800 for Haiti. During Spring Awakening, the cast will be in the lobby after each show collecting donations for Tykes & Teens, which provides quality mental health counseling and substance abuse prevention and treatment programs for local youth, regardless of financial status. The agency has helped more than 20,000 children and teens since its inception 18 years ago, including youth in crisis coping with issues such as depression, sexual abuse or suicidal thoughts.

James Stern, parent of a cast member in the show, has pledged to match the first $1,000 in donations to Tykes & Teens, and an anonymous donor has agreed to match the second $1,000 raised. All proceeds will benefit direct services for local youth in need of counseling at Tykes & Teens.

The show runs July 4th-6th at StarStruck Theatre in Stuart. For tickets call 772-283-7787 or visit www.starstruckfl.com. If you can not attend but would still like to make a donation to Tykes & Teens please call Paula at 772-220-3439.

For more information about Tykes and Teens visit www.tykesandteens.org.