TAMPA BAY– MARCH 3, 2010 - Children sang and danced in the heartfelt story of the hopeful, but sometimes miserable life of an orphan, in the Broadway production of “Annie Jr.” to raise money for the orphanage, Future of Haiti, so the orphans in Haiti will see the light of a better life. Produced by International Youth Theatre in coordination with Youth for Human Rights Florida, the show had a one night showing at the Fort Harrison Hotel in Clearwater to raise awareness and sponsorships for Haitian orphans.

The story of “Annie Jr.”, the little orphan that teaches how a better “tomorrow” is only one day away, is the perfect inspiration those families who want to help one of the many children who have lost their parents in the recent devastation of the earthquake. But the design of The Future of Haiti Orphanage is not your traditional orphanage as represented in “Annie Jr.” The whole design of the orphanage is to find people abroad who would like to “sponsor” a child which will grow up in Haiti, not as an underprivileged child, but as one who will be raised in a nurturing, educational environment to be a leader of tomorrow to change Haiti to a prosperous nation.

The night’s performance created 10 new sponsors for the 111 existing orphans, with another 60 homeless children in line to become part of the orphanage. The money will not be limited to the basics of food and shelter, but also to Haitian teachers, night security creating a safe environment, and a good education with arts and sports, creating a life of fun and laughter and a future to look forward to. Sponsors are needed for each orphan.

As humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard stated, "Save the child and you save the nation".

The Future of Haiti Orphanage has the mission to build a permanent home and school for orphans of Haiti to change their lives with a caring environment, a good education, sports, arts and leadership programs. The orphanage was created from three collapsed orphanages, leaving the surviving children without shelter, food or water... and more importantly, a family. To find out how to sponsor an orphan or for more information go to www.thefutureofhaiti.org.

International Youth Theater, located in Clearwater, Florida, has the mission assisting the development of young artist while enlightening them on their abilities and responsibilities to help improve human rights around the world. For more information go to www.internationalyouththeater.com.

Youth for Human Rights Florida, is a non-profit group that educates people of all ages on the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, both in and out of the classroom. The group is involved in helping the orphans due to their commitment not only to teach but also to ensure human rights for all. For more information go to www.youthforhumanrights.org.

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