Every two minutes, a new child is placed into foster care in the United States. 35,000 of these children are right here in Florida. Currently, there aren't enough parents to take in these kids. Today, many Florida foster children live in group homes. For these kids, extra support and encouragement from the community can make a huge difference in their lives!
We founded Unity Players, Inc. to raise awareness and funds for these children. Thank you for joining this work by attending the show. There are two Bible verses that directly led to us to this moment:
1) "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress." - James 1:27a (NLT)
2) "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others." - 1 Peter 4:10a (NIV)
We have so many wonderful people to thank, including this precious creative team, the selfless crew and cast who are so passionate about this cause. I want to thank our family and friends for investing in theater tickets and our parents for investing in plane tickets! And I want to thank the hundreds of you I've not met yet, for saying "yes" to this effort.
And finally, I want to thank the four other people who've lived in my house for most of the past two decades: Kierstyn, for modeling a heart of Christlike service to those in need, day in and day out. Joshua, for believing where I doubt, and for demonstrating what it looks like to live your calling. Tabitha, for "getting me," and for reminding me that love and relationship matter more than anything else. Natalie, for helping dream up this company and envision this entire production. We all hope the show entertains and encourages you.
Before we start, allow me to apologize in advance for a word that will come out of Oliver Warbucks mouth a time or two (it rhymes with Spam and jam.) It's part of the script and I felt it was important to establish the character. I do understand it's not something we wan't our kids saying. (Maybe tell them it's what Beavers build in a river.)
OK, with THAT out of the way ...
I pray you are moved by the story, and that you depart with a deep sense of how valuable you are. And I pray that you're moved to ask God, "what would you have me do, next?"
- Tristan Bishop
A capital contribution from Dr. Phillips Charities named Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in perpetuity to honor Dr. P. Phillips and his family’s legacy.
