(Blackwood, NJ, February 12, 2025) – Mainstage Center for the Arts has received a grant in the amount of $15,000 from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. The donation, made through The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, will be used to fund the interactive and educational theater program, “Rise and Shine: It’s Wellness Time.”

“This grant from Horizon will enable Mainstage Center for the Arts to continue bringing theater to the South Jersey community in a way that inspires and educates,” said Sarah J. Gafgen, Managing Director of Mainstage Center for the Arts. “Through interactive performances, we aim to spark creativity while addressing important topics like health and wellness.”

“Rise and Shine: It’s Wellness Time” is an morning-show-style interactive theater performance designed to build healthy habits for young audiences. Featuring a team of professional actors, the show combines zany characters, puppets, and audience engagement to educate children on the essentials of physical, mental, and emotional wellness. The program includes pre- and post-performance educational materials, easy-to-follow recipes, and exercises, aiming to empower children with the knowledge and tools to lead healthier lives. The initiative will reach at least 10 schools across Southern New Jersey, providing students with accessible, engaging, and educational theater experiences that promote health and wellness.

“We are pleased to support Mainstage Center for the Arts to foster healthier habits in our communities,” said Jonathan R. Pearson, Executive Director of The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey. “The ‘Rise and Shine’ program closely aligns with Horizon’s mission to help our members access resources to manage their overall health. We are improving the health of the community as more individuals adapt practices to enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey proudly collaborates with grantees across the state who share our commitment to improving health outcomes.”

If your school is interested in booking a performance, please complete our interest form today to get started!

About The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey’s philanthropic arm, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, is focused on making New Jersey healthier by supporting non-profit organizations that expand access to health care, remove barriers to good health and increase opportunities for everyone to achieve their best health, no matter who they are or where they live. Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, please visit HZNFoundation.org.

About Mainstage Center for the Arts
Mainstage Center for the Arts, located in Blackwood, New Jersey, is a dynamic hub for creativity and personal growth through the performing arts. With programs like the award-winning Summer Stage, Harmony and Encore show choirs, and skill-building studio classes, Mainstage offers young performers meaningful opportunities to explore and nurture their passion for the performing arts. With a mission to inspire creativity, foster individual expression, and build community connections, Mainstage has been enriching the lives of South Jersey residents since 1989 through exceptional arts education and live performances. For more information, please visit mainstage.org.