 |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
How Does Purple Swans Care for Those in Need
At Purple Swans, we believe in the transformative power of the performing arts to inspire and connect communities together. Our mission goes beyond entertainment — we're committed to enriching the lives of the communities including seniors, children with special needs, and more through vibrant, heartfelt performances. In addition, the proceeds from our shows fund crucial youth mental health training, creating a lasting positive impact on the future of our communities.
Perform for the Seniors
Starting in 2015, we’ve brought joy to the Baldwin Oaks Senior Center in Parsippany, NJ, with our annual Mother's Day and Father's Day shows. These lively events have become cherished traditions for seniors of diverse cultural backgrounds, who eagerly anticipate our performances as a highlight of their year. The warm appreciation and glowing feedback we receive inspire us to continue this meaningful work.
Now, we are thrilled to announce the return of our beloved performances at local senior centers, rekindling connections and joy after the pandemic. Recently we celebrated Mother's Day and Father's Day at Summit Senior Apartment in Summit, NJ, bringing smiles and laughter to the community once more.
Our Grand Charity Shows
Every three years, Purple Swans captivates audiences with original, breathtaking dance performances that seamlessly blend Chinese indigenous and classical dances with global traditions. Beyond the art, these performances aim to make a tangible difference in the world—donating 100% of net proceeds to charitable causes in need.
A Legacy of Impact:
-
"Dancing into the Dawn" (November 2022)
Held at Morristown's Mayo Performing Arts Center, this gala raised an impressive $15,956 in support of the Mental Health Association in NJ. -
"Dancing under the Harvest Moon" (November 2019)
Hosted at Union County Performing Arts Center, the event contributed $11,684 to the Mental Health Association in NJ. -
"A Journey to Shangri-La" (December 2016)
The inaugural gala raised funds for the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, supporting vital cancer research and care.
Host Youth Mental Health Trainings
Since May 2018, Purple Swans, in partnership with the Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ), has hosted a series of impactful Youth Mental Health Trainings. This includes six sessions of Youth Mental Health First Aid and two sessions of Youth QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Training. Thanks to Purple Swans' donations, these vital programs are offered at little to no cost for community members. Through our performance galas and ongoing education efforts, Purple Swans is committed to raising awareness about youth mental health, equipping the community with effective tools, and supporting the healthy growth of young people. We handle all aspects of promoting, coordinating, and hosting these events, while partnering with MHANJ professionals to ensure the highest quality training.
On November 15, 2023, the Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ) hosted its largest annual event, the Evening of Excellence—a prestigious fundraising gala celebrating outstanding community contributors—where Purple Swans was honored as the sole institutional honoree, marking the first time an arts-focused organization has received this recognition.
For more information on the Youth Mental Health Training program, including content and schedules, click here.
Dance Workshop for Kids with Autism
To make a difference in the development and lives of children with special needs, Purple Swans has hosted 50 weeks of free dancing and singing programs for autistic children since 2017. The program stimulated participants’ creative expression, opened up opportunities to express themselves, and touched hearts of the children and their families. Kids’ thank-you note and parents’ extremely positive feedback are the utmost rewards for all Purple Swans volunteers.
