Since 2007, The Peter Pan Foundation (PPF) has aimed to help young people of all ages build talents and confidence through musical theater. The main show, "Wish Upon A Star," features iconic characters like heroes, princesses, and villains, with Peter Pan guiding the audience. Performances support UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital.
Their primary mission is to bring joy to children through special shows at Children's Hospital Oakland and collaborations with Make-A-Wish and organizations serving individuals with special needs. Performers of all ages develop creativity, confidence, and character while honing their talents and giving back to others.
Walnut Creek City Lifestyle met some of the PPF artists who make the magic happen:
Roxie Tarantino
President of the Bay Area Magic Makers (BAMM Squad), which is the teen council of PPF.
When I was 11, I saw my neighbor, Lauren Wagner, perform in the annual production of "Wish Upon A Star," and I knew I wanted to not just perform but also give back to the community in a similar way. There is a place for everyone in the PPF, and if you give it a chance, you will find a supportive and loving family that will always offer a place for you.
The most important thing I've learned through my community service is that small acts of kindness and service go a long way. For BAMM's annual Adopt-A-Family gift drive, after wrapping, labeling, and dropping off four large bags of gifts for two families, I already felt accomplished. But a week later, I received two letters in the mail from the families we had donated to. When I opened the envelopes, one of the cards read, "We are forever grateful." At that moment, I felt like all the work was more than worth it.
Riyana Melvani, BAMM Squad vice president
I initially joined PPF because I was excited by the chance to be part of incredible shows alongside talented performers—but I stayed because of the heart of the organization. The community and philanthropic values are what truly make it home.
The most meaningful experience for me was participating in a Make-A-Wish event earlier this year. We were helping grant the wish of a sweet little boy who adored princesses. It was deeply emotional and powerful. I realized that our performances weren't just for applause—they were for joy, hope, and dreams. It's a memory I will carry with me forever.
Talulah Geistlinger
My favorite moment with PPF has to be my first philanthropy event. We went to Children's Hospital Oakland dressed as various characters, and it was spectacular. I loved seeing the joy in the kids' faces and participating in something so beautiful.
PPF is probably one of the most welcoming spaces you can be in. The community is vast, diverse, and gregarious. You can feel the kindness in the air. Once you're a part of the PPF family, you're a part of the PPF family for life. It's truly wonderful.
Benjamin "Benny" Williams
I first connected with the PPF through Children's Hospital Oakland, where I was a patient at the Day Hospital. During one of PPF's visits to the hospital, I met founder Leslie Noel Hansen, who was dressed as a magical character. That interaction raised my spirits while I was in the hospital. I later joined PPF because I wanted to help the other kids in the hospital who were in my situation. PPF has given me a safe place to be myself.
My favorite experience with PPF has been doing "Wish Upon A Star." Another favorite experience was meeting a patient from Children's Hospital Oakland who was part of the Charlie's Clinic, the Down Syndrome Clinic. I was being Peter Pan, and he wanted to see me fly, and I helped teach him how to fly. It was so amazing seeing him light up and fly around.
Dylan Kelly (4 years old)
I saw my big sisters having fun with PPF and wanted to have fun with them. I really like to sing at home, so I wanted to sing on stage, too.
My favorite thing has been being a Lost Boy in "Wish Upon A Star." I made lots of friends and had fun with them on the stage and at rehearsals. And I loved the snuggly fox costume.
William Foon
When I was in first grade, I went to watch PPF's "Wish Upon A Star" because my friend Natalie was in the show. The theater was packed, and my dad and I got the last two seats in the last row. I absolutely fell in love with the show, and I've been a part of it every year since.
I've learned that we should use our talents to brighten up the lives of those around us and in our community. It's always fun to see how happy people, especially the kids, are when we perform at shows or events.
For more information about The Peter Pan Foundation and their upcoming performances, visit: PeterPanFoundation.org
"PPF is probably one of the most welcoming spaces you can be in. The community is vast, diverse, and gregarious. You can feel the kindness in the air. Once you're a part of the PPF family, you're a part of the PPF family for life. It's truly wonderful."