When Paige Ade, Senior Development Manager at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB), asks a business owner or community member to support the organization, her request is deeply personal. Having been immersed in the world of ballet since childhood, Paige knows firsthand the transformative power of generosity. Without the support of corporations, foundations, and individuals, her own dance journey—one that took her across the globe—would not have been possible.
Paige’s story is a reflection of many ballet dancers’ experiences around the world, where passion and perseverance are nurtured through the kindness of others. But her story is also one of countless children discovering what ignites their inner spark—and finding that spark nurtured by those who believe in the potential of young dreamers.
For many, that support comes in the form of donations, whether from business owners or individual donors—who want to ensure that every child has the opportunity to say “yes” to exploring their passions.
No matter what the activity the child chooses, whether a sport, instrument, or an artistic outlet, the collective commitment is to support those dreams and provide healthy, enriching programs for their development.
When a child is given the chance to try something new, enroll in a class or pursue a hobby, or spend their summer immersed in a creative experience, the impact is profound. Which is why it is so important for the next generation of philanthropists to discover the transformative power of generosity for themselves. To experience the magic of a ballet performance, attend a behind-the-scenes event to see the hard work and perseverance in action, and meet the young dancers who directly benefit from their donation. That one donation does more than provide financial support; it can change the trajectory of a child’s life, opening doors to new dreams and possibilities.
Donations to organizations like CPYB benefit students in many ways—by improving programs, bringing in guest instructors, and upgrading facilities. But they also support students directly through scholarships. CPYB is particularly proud to offer scholarship opportunities to local, underserved students, helping them discover their inner spark and providing the training to nurture it. CPYB offers three ballet scholarship programs, awarded on both need and merit basis. The more donations CPYB receives, the more students it can support.
For those businesses and community members who want to see firsthand how CPYB is changing lives, Paige invites them to, “Come to one of our behind-the-scenes events for an up-close and personal experience. These events are truly unmatched in our community. Once you’ve experienced the hard work and passion that go into every performance, you’ll appreciate the artistry even more when watching it from the audience. This is ballet in its rawest form, and it’s relatable—everyone has to work hard, sweat, and push through challenges. There’s a great respect and education that comes from seeing it in action.”
CPYB hopes to inspire the next generation of generous supporters. Ballet’s beauty and the strength and skill of its dancers can be appreciated by anyone, regardless of their background. You don’t need to have been a dancer to be moved by a performance or to appreciate the gift of supporting children who find their inner spark in ballet.