05/21/2008

Contact: Kimberly Tomkiewicz (219) 464-9621 ext. 299

OE Rocks with the Doodlebops - and Supports All About Kids Program!

PRESS RELEASE CONTACT: Allison Thomas, Events Manager Opportunity Enterprises 219-464-9621, ext. 239 Allison.thomas@oppent.org For Immediate Release:OE Rocks with the Doodlebops - and Supports All About Kids Program! Opportunity Enterprises' All About Kids Program will be rocking this summer through a special performance by the Doodlebops at the Porter County Fair. The Doodlebop show is set for July 19 at 4 p.m., and a portion of ticket sales will go towards the programming in OE's All About Kids program - just use OE's special code, 4463, when ordering tickets. "We are so excited about the Doodlebop show at OE," said Allison Thomas, OE Event Manager. "The Doodlebops incorporate educational lessons, such as pro-social behaviors, critical thinking skills and overall personal creativity into their rock songs and those skills and concepts are also taught through the All About Kids early intervention program at OE. This fundraiser is a great match for us." The Doodlebops, a rock and roll band created specifically for eighteen month to five year olds, are a popular form of educational entertainment for young children. "We are grateful for the agreement that has allowed organizers of the Porter County Fair to provide a fundraiser for OE through the Doodlebops show. Through this fundraiser, we will be able to raise needed funds for AAK and other enrichment and day service program at OE," Thomas added. The All About Kids program provides therapy and treatment for children and important support and guidance to the parents of the developmentally delayed children they serve. It also teaches parents that their child will continue to excel and can achieve anything any other child can achieve, just at their own pace. For Rachel Sejna, a mother of two three and a half year old twins, the reinforcement of educational goals through entertaining resources has been a blessing for her family. "Ethan and Owen have been with All About Kids since they were two years old and joined up through the Toddler Group," said Sejna. "The therapists at All About Kids have taught them how to socialize, learn their numbers and letters and learn more about nature." Proceeds from the Doodlebop show will go directly towards scholarships and program development - directly affecting children like Ethan and Owen - that have grown and improved immensely since being part of AAK. "All About Kids has prepared Ethan and Owen for preschool. Socialization is key, and not just for kids with special needs. It has been a fabulous experience for the twins and they just love their teachers and love going," said Sejna. Tickets for the Doodlebop show may be ordered online at www.portercofair.org, and for those needing wheelchair accessible handicap seating, call 1-877-772-5425 - and remember to use the promotional code, 4463, for OE! Since 1967, OE has been a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting self-sufficiency and life choices for challenged individuals. Today, OE serves 1700 individuals in Porter County and throughout Northwest Indiana.