VERO BEACH – Vero residents will have the unique opportunity to bring a bit of the world into their own homes between Sunday, February 14 and Friday, February 18 when an international cast of Up with People arrives in Vero Beach, 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 and staff which represents 21 countries and more than 25 states.
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 bed, local transportation at the beginning and end of each day, 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 at Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center on Thursday, February 17 at 7 p.m. The F. James McDonald Family Foundation is sponsoring Up with People’s visit to Vero Beach and Vero Beach High School is the beneficiary of the show.
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 often experience in Vero Beach, Parrott added.
Those interested in hosting should contact Erin Parrott at eparrott@upwithpeople.org or 720-272-2335.