|
FROM 2007
KAYCEE STROH
talks about her charity work and Kenny Ortega's "yawn
jar"
by Scott Wolf
 KayCee
Stroh is an amazing person (pictured right with "The Bachelor" Brad
Womack). It's easy to see why "High School Musical" Director Kenny
Ortega told her, "You're a star" at her audition. She is an all-around
performer, but has a certain charisma with an enchanting personality,
complete humility and a heart of gold. I'm just delighted to share our
conversations with you.
Scott Wolf: You’re involved in some charities, right? The
United Cerebral Palsy,
and
Starlight, Starbright
Children’s Foundation?
KayCee: That and Make
a Wish.
SW: Was there a reason you decided to support United Cerebral Palsy?
KS: It was a strange situation. They actually called me to do an event
at Six Flags and I started researching the disease and was really
touched by it. I did the event at Six Flags and ever since I’ve just
been open to them in anything they need from me.
I just think it’s really important for celebrities to give back to the
community because I feel like I’ve been so blessed and what kind of
person would I be if I didn’t help others?
SW: Is Starlight, Starbright similar to Make a Wish?
KS: Yeah, with Starlight, Starbright it’s more about celebrities giving
these sick kids and teens support, it’s not as much about raising money
and granting wishes. We go visit these kids and we lift their spirits
and I like that. Starlight, Starbright says actions speak louder than
words. It’s easy for us to just write a check and send a check away for
a charity and it’s easy to say, “I support this charity.” But this is
about us getting in our cars and driving down to the children’s hospital
and helping these kids and being a positive influence in their lives.
It’s similar with Make a Wish but with Make a Wish I like to donate to
more. They need more money and Starlight, Starbright is more emotional
help. I’ll tell you that the best opportunity I had during “High School
Musical 2” was when the Make a Wish kids came to the set.
Kenny Ortega had a jar, and if we would yawn we’d have to put a quarter
in the jar. He hates when you yawn on the set. You learn not to yawn in
“High School Musical.” At the end of that we gave all the yawn money to
Make a Wish as well as the kids coming to the set and getting to watch
us film. That was such a huge moment for some of these kids. You realize
that as positive as you want to be and as hopeful as you want to be, as
you walk away from these kids you realize that some of them might not
live and the fact that you can give them their dream of coming on set
and seeing their favorite movie being filmed. That is what it’s all
about.
SW: And what an opportunity because it is a sequel. If it’s their favorite
film, not every movie has a second chance. And I’ve heard stories where
it’s can be really emotional but you have to be positive because you’re
making them forget all their worries for awhile.
KS: Exactly, that’s what it's about is making them forget and have a few
moments without pain in their life and giving them some normalcy like a
child should have.
More from KayCee:
"High School Musical" auditions and
its success
"High School Musical" experiences
See other interviews
|
