Citizens of the Month: The King Family

 

Barb King first saw a performance by The Pengiun Project while visiting Peoria, and she was inspired to bring the concept to DeKalb County.  And this project, which gives children with developmental disabilities the chance to perform in public, has proven to be a runaway success; it has inspired dozens of youths, with and without disabilities, to join in...and spurred the creation of a similar program for adults.

 

Barb and Joe King, along with their son Daniel, have been named the Sycamore Rotary Club's Citizens of the Month for December in recognition of their efforts to bring The Penguin Project into being.  It has now become an annual staple for performers in the area, with children's versions of well-known musicals performed by youths working in concert with mentors.

 

Daniel was a longtime performer, but was disappointed when he became too old for the troupe; so his family went on to found the Penguin Players, an adult version which also brings together disabled and non-disabled performers. 

 

In recognition of their service to the community, the Sycamore Rotary Club has provided the Kings with $100 for donation to the charity of their choice; they will put it towards The Penguin Project for future use.