(Source: BroadwayBabiesAndKids)
Broadway Babies and Kids (BBK) has announced a dual initiative that pairs its beloved community event with a strategic fundraising campaign aimed at expanding access to performing arts education for children and families. This signifies a step toward sustained growth and deeper community engagement, allowing the organization to serve a broader spectrum of students across its locations in Belmont, Foster City, Folsom, and Rocklin. “This is a moment to celebrate our students and to strengthen the support that makes their work possible,” says Katie Kerwin-Gielniak, founder of BBK. “We want families to gather, children to shine onstage, and donors to partner with us to create long-term, inclusive arts opportunities.”
BBK is known for integrating early childhood music and movement with structured training in ballet, tap, and musical theatre. Its curriculum embeds leadership and social-emotional learning, emphasizing personal growth over competition. Students, ranging from infants to teens, develop collaboration, public speaking, and creative problem-solving skills that extend far beyond the stage.
The Happy Haunts Monster Mash, hosted by Friends of Broadway Babies and Kids (BBK’s nonprofit arm), will take place at Twin Pines Park in Belmont, California, on October 25, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This free community event features student performances, spooky treats, interactive games, a costume parade, trick-or-treat scavenger stations, storytime, and a lively song-and-dance party.
Proceeds from the Monster Mash and the broader campaign will support targeted goals to increase equity and impact. Friends of Broadway Babies and Kids works to eliminate financial and logistical barriers to participation. Its mission is to make high-quality performing arts education accessible to children and families of all backgrounds and abilities. Past initiatives have included funding parade appearances, travel for regional events, in-home arts visits for medically vulnerable children, and ensemble participation in special educational experiences.
Immediate funding priorities include expanding inclusive programming for children with disabilities by hiring trained staff and providing adaptive materials, replenishing scholarship funds for low-income families, and enhancing enrichment offerings such as off-site showcases, immersive workshops, and subsidized trips. The campaign also supports outreach to schools, hospitals, and nursing homes, enabling BBK instructors to deliver arts programming in classrooms and care facilities.
Longer-term objectives include hiring more staff, scaling operations to reach additional communities, and ensuring teaching artists receive living wages and access to benefits. Community donations along with seasonal fundraisers like product sales, auctions, and the annual Ladybug Picnic continue to provide operating support while the organization pursues larger grants and corporate partnerships. By combining grassroots events with strategic philanthropy, BBK aims to build sustainable revenue streams that preserve affordability and uphold instructional quality.
As Broadway Babies and Kids deepens its commitment to inclusive arts education, the organization invites the community to help shape a future where creativity and connection are accessible to all. Whether through participation, partnership, or simply showing up to cheer, every contribution strengthens the foundation for lifelong learning and artistic expression.
Media Contact
Name: Jennifer Rustigian
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