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<channel><title><![CDATA[PLAY Foundation - News]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.playyouth.org/news]]></link><description><![CDATA[News]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 02:56:43 -0700</pubDate><generator>Weebly</generator><item><title><![CDATA[8/29 PLAY Foundation Food Rescue Signup]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.playyouth.org/news/829-play-foundation-food-rescue-signup]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.playyouth.org/news/829-play-foundation-food-rescue-signup#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2026 06:40:23 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.playyouth.org/news/829-play-foundation-food-rescue-signup</guid><description><![CDATA[Hello PLAY members! PLAY Foundation will be working with White Pony Express (WPE) to sort food and help with other food rescue activities. We have 4 volunteer spots available for this event. When: Saturday, August 29, 2026, 9:00&ndash;11:00 AMl Please arrive 10 minutes early. Where: 2470 Bates Ave, Concord, CA 94520 Please wear: Your PLAY Foundation shirt and closed-toe shoes Age requirement: Volunteers must be at least 12 years old. Volunteers under 18 must complete the required WPE waiver. Two [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph"><font color="#2a2a2a">Hello PLAY members! PLAY Foundation will be working with White Pony Express (WPE) to sort food and help with other food rescue activities. We have 4 volunteer spots available for this event. <br /><span style="font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-weight:inherit">When</span></span>: Saturday, August 29, 2026, 9:00&ndash;11:00 AMl Please arrive 10 minutes early. <br /><span style="font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-weight:inherit">Where</span></span>: 2470 Bates Ave, Concord, CA 94520 <br /><span style="font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-weight:inherit">Please wear</span></span>: Your PLAY Foundation shirt and closed-toe shoes <br /><span style="font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-weight:inherit">Age requirement</span></span>: Volunteers must be at least 12 years old. Volunteers under 18 must complete the required WPE waiver. <br /><span style="font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-weight:inherit"><br />Two-Step Signup &mdash; Both Are Required<br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-weight:inherit">Step 1: Sign up with PLAY</span></span> Please use the SignUpGenius link below to let us know that you will be attending: <a href="https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B48ADAF2CA2FACF8-64880325-play" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight:inherit">https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B48ADAF2CA2FACF8-64880325-play</span></a> There are only 4 spots, so please sign up as soon as possible! <br /><span style="font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-weight:inherit">Step 2: Sign up with White Pony Express</span></span> In addition to signing up with PLAY, each volunteer must register at WPE and reserve the PLAY group shift: <a href="https://whiteponyexpress.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=82775&amp;job_name=Food%20Rescue&amp;job_password=PLAY" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight:inherit">https://whiteponyexpress.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=82775&amp;job_name=Food%20Rescue&amp;job_password=PLAY</span></a> </font><ul style=""><li><span style="font-weight:inherit"><font color="#2a2a2a">If you already have a WPE account, simply log in using the email address associated with that account and complete the steps above to select the PLAY group shift. If you have not volunteered with WPE before, you will need to 1) complete the online application and one-time registration/waiver, and 2) watch the short volunteer orientation video.</font></span></li><li><span style="font-weight:inherit"><font color="#2a2a2a">Select the PLAY group shift shown at the bottom of the page and click &ldquo;Sign Up to Volunteer.&rdquo;</font></span></li><li><span style="font-weight:inherit"><font color="#2a2a2a">Check your email for the reservation confirmation.</font></span></li><li><span style="font-weight:inherit"><font color="#2a2a2a">If you are under 18, please make sure you also complete the required WPE waiver.</font></span></li></ul><font color="#2a2a2a"> If you have any questions, please contact Lorelai at lorelai.hong@gmail.com. We look forward to volunteering together and helping White Pony Express rescue and distribute food to the community!<br /><br />&#8203;Sincerely, PLAY Foundation</font></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Virtual Bakeology Event]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.playyouth.org/news/virtual-bakeology-event]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.playyouth.org/news/virtual-bakeology-event#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2026 01:15:17 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.playyouth.org/news/virtual-bakeology-event</guid><description><![CDATA[Hello PLAY members!&#8203;There will be a virtual bakeology class on Sunday, August 23 from 12 - 2 PM on zoom. This hands-on baking session is open to people of all ages who are interested or just love baking! You will learn baking basics, helpful tips, and a step-by-step recipe. The zoom link will be provided after registration.Register: https://forms.gle/mtE4kmvL9pSSDTNDAEmail lorelai.hong@gmail.com if you have any questions!&#8203;Sincerely, PLAY Foundation        [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph"><font color="#000000">Hello PLAY members!<br />&#8203;<br />There will be a virtual bakeology class on Sunday, August 23 from 12 - 2 PM on zoom. This hands-on baking session is open to people of all ages who are interested or just love baking! You will learn baking basics, helpful tips, and a step-by-step recipe. The zoom link will be provided after registration.<br /><br />Register: <a href="https://forms.gle/mtE4kmvL9pSSDTNDA" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight:inherit">https://forms.gle/mtE4kmvL9pSSDTNDA</span></a><br />Email lorelai.hong@gmail.com if you have any questions!<br /><br />&#8203;Sincerely, PLAY Foundation</font></div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.playyouth.org/uploads/1/2/0/3/120380058/bakeology-flyer_orig.png" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Play youth Band and youth Orchestra]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.playyouth.org/news/play-youth-band-and-youth-orchestra]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.playyouth.org/news/play-youth-band-and-youth-orchestra#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2026 07:13:01 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.playyouth.org/news/play-youth-band-and-youth-orchestra</guid><description><![CDATA[The PLAY Foundation is excited to welcome new members to our 2026&ndash;2027 Music Program! Whether you are an experienced musician or completely new to music, we invite you to join our PLAY Youth Orchestra and PLAY Youth Band.Both ensembles are fully student-run and student-conducted, with all members, conductors, and section leaders being students. This peer-led structure provides musicians with unique opportunities to develop leadership, collaboration, and ensemble skills while serving the co [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph"><font color="#2a2a2a">The PLAY Foundation is excited to welcome new members to our 2026&ndash;2027 Music Program! Whether you are an experienced musician or completely new to music, we invite you to join our PLAY Youth Orchestra and PLAY Youth Band.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:700"><span style="font-weight:inherit">Both ensembles are fully student-run and student-conducted, with all members, conductors, and section leaders being students. This peer-led structure provides musicians with unique opportunities to develop leadership, collaboration, and ensemble skills while serving the community through music.</span></span><br /><br />&#8203;If you are interested in joining either group, please complete the appropriate interest form below. By registering, you will be added to our mailing list and will receive updates, schedules, announcements, and additional program details.<br /><br />Band signup:&nbsp;</font><a href="https://forms.gle/qmyWvKbD3g3Y44L18" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight:inherit">https://forms.gle/qmyWvKbD3g3Y44L18</span></a><span style="color:oklab(0.952693 0.000792831 -0.00253612)">&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color:rgb(42, 42, 42)">Orchestra signup:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://forms.gle/H73fUUT5FpXhYzzE8" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight:inherit">https://forms.gle/H73fUUT5FpXhYzzE8</span></a><br /><br /><font color="#2a2a2a"><span style="font-weight:700"><span style="font-weight:inherit">Program Highlights</span></span></font><ul><li><span style="font-weight:inherit"><font color="#2a2a2a">Open to students of all ages</font></span></li><li><span style="font-weight:inherit"><font color="#2a2a2a">No prior experience required</font></span></li><li><span style="font-weight:inherit"><font color="#2a2a2a">Rehearsals every other Sunday, 7:00 PM &ndash; 9:00 PM</font></span></li><li><span style="font-weight:inherit"><font color="#2a2a2a">Program runs from August 2026 through May 2027</font></span></li><li><span style="font-weight:inherit"><font color="#2a2a2a">Earn verified volunteer service hours through participation</font></span></li><li><span style="font-weight:inherit"><font color="#2a2a2a">Volunteer hours are recognized and verified by PUSD</font></span></li></ul>&#8203;<br /><font color="#2a2a2a"><span style="font-weight:700"><span style="font-weight:inherit">Band Leadership Opportunities</span></span> Students interested in Band leadership are encouraged to participate this year. We plan to open an Assistant Conductor position next year, and prior involvement in the Band will be a significant advantage for applicants. We look forward to making music and serving our community together!&nbsp;</font></div>  <div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin:0 -15px;"> 	<table class="wsite-multicol-table"> 		<tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"> 			<tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"> 				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.playyouth.org/uploads/1/2/0/3/120380058/published/play-band.png?1786924440" alt="Picture" style="width:328;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.playyouth.org/uploads/1/2/0/3/120380058/published/orchestra-flyer.png?1786924426" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>   					 				</td>			</tr> 		</tbody> 	</table> </div></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[College application seminar]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.playyouth.org/news/college-application-seminar]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.playyouth.org/news/college-application-seminar#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 07:22:15 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.playyouth.org/news/college-application-seminar</guid><description><![CDATA[On August 15th we will be hosting a seminar on college application. We are being joined by a panel of students who have recently been admitted to Stanford, Caltech, Brown, and UC Berkeley. During the seminar, they will be sharing their insights and experiences as well as offering advice from their successful journeys.        [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph">On August 15th we will be hosting a seminar on college application. We are being joined by a panel of students who have recently been admitted to Stanford, Caltech, Brown, and UC Berkeley. During the seminar, they will be sharing their insights and experiences as well as offering advice from their successful journeys.</div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.playyouth.org/uploads/1/2/0/3/120380058/playfoundation-college-app-seminar-flyer_orig.png" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Intro to robotics Course]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.playyouth.org/news/intro-to-robotics-course]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.playyouth.org/news/intro-to-robotics-course#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 07:06:59 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.playyouth.org/news/intro-to-robotics-course</guid><description><![CDATA[We are offering an intro to robotics course on August 10th, 11th, 12th. This course teaches the basics of programming and assembly. The end result is a car that can follow lines, detect obstacles, and play music.        [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph">We are offering an intro to robotics course on August 10th, 11th, 12th. This course teaches the basics of programming and assembly. The end result is a car that can follow lines, detect obstacles, and play music.</div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.playyouth.org/uploads/1/2/0/3/120380058/introtoroboticsflyer_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Intro to Python Course]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.playyouth.org/news/intro-to-python-course]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.playyouth.org/news/intro-to-python-course#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 06:49:36 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.playyouth.org/news/intro-to-python-course</guid><description><![CDATA[On August 13th, August 14th, August 15th, we are hosting an intro to python course from 4 to 6 pm. This course covers basic python fundamentals and will culminate in the students building a game.        [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph">On August 13th, August 14th, August 15th, we are hosting an intro to python course from 4 to 6 pm. This course covers basic python fundamentals and will culminate in the students building a game.</div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.playyouth.org/uploads/1/2/0/3/120380058/python-course-aug-2026_orig.png" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Potluck and charity sale]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.playyouth.org/news/potluck-and-charity-sale]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.playyouth.org/news/potluck-and-charity-sale#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 06:42:56 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.playyouth.org/news/potluck-and-charity-sale</guid><description><![CDATA[This Sunday (8/9) we're having a potluck and charity sale from 10:00 AM&ndash;1:00 PM at: San Ramon Central Park12501 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon, CA 94583This event involves Book Sales, Bakery Sales, and Plant sales, and handmade art/craft sales. Attendees are welcome to bring used books and other items to donate. All proceeds will be donated to PLAY Foundation to support various community service and charitable activities.RSVP Link:&nbsp;https://tinyurl.com/yx668axp        [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph"><font color="#2a2a2a">This Sunday (8/9) we're having a potluck and charity sale from 10:00 AM&ndash;1:00 PM at: San Ramon Central Park<br />12501 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon, CA 94583<br /><br />This event involves Book Sales, Bakery Sales, and Plant sales, and handmade art/craft sales. Attendees are welcome to bring used books and other items to donate. All proceeds will be donated to PLAY Foundation to support various community service and charitable activities.<br /><br /></font>RSVP Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/yx668axp" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight:inherit">https://tinyurl.com/yx668axp</span></a></div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.playyouth.org/uploads/1/2/0/3/120380058/potluckflyer_orig.png" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Jamba Juice fundraising]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.playyouth.org/news/jamba-juice-fundraising]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.playyouth.org/news/jamba-juice-fundraising#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 06:19:06 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.playyouth.org/news/jamba-juice-fundraising</guid><description><![CDATA[For this fundraiser, PLAY Foundation is selling buy one get one free cards at Jamba Juice. Each card costs 10 dollars and provides six uses totaling about 60$ in value.        [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph">For this fundraiser, PLAY Foundation is selling buy one get one free cards at Jamba Juice. Each card costs 10 dollars and provides six uses totaling about 60$ in value.</div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.playyouth.org/uploads/1/2/0/3/120380058/playfoundationjambajuiceflyer_orig.png" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Officer applications]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.playyouth.org/news/officer-applications]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.playyouth.org/news/officer-applications#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Sun, 17 May 2026 17:55:23 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.playyouth.org/news/officer-applications</guid><description><![CDATA[Dear PLAY Foundation members and friends, It is once again time to elect our officers for the upcoming school year! We are looking for passionate, responsible, and dedicated students to help lead PLAY Foundation and continue making a positive impact in our community. The officer application is open to both current PLAY Foundation members and outstanding non-members. The officer application process consists of two parts:Completing the application Google Form: https://forms.gle/4s3ki1ZH9qp9To4ZAAf [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;">Dear PLAY Foundation members and friends, It is once again time to elect our officers for the upcoming school year! We are looking for passionate, responsible, and dedicated students to help lead PLAY Foundation and continue making a positive impact in our community. The officer application is open to both current PLAY Foundation members and outstanding non-members. The officer application process consists of two parts:<ul><li>Completing the application Google Form: <a href="https://forms.gle/4s3ki1ZH9qp9To4ZA" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/4s3ki1ZH9qp9To4ZA</a><ul><li>After submitting the form, applicants will receive an email containing available interview time slots and the Zoom interview link</li></ul></li><li>Attending a Zoom interview</li></ul> Before applying, please carefully review the officer responsibilities and eligibility requirements here: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/161F2JvgVP16CXYMrjOjBa9ILGLydpHHlPf0tqzNrrXk/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">https://docs.google.com/document/d/161F2JvgVP16CXYMrjOjBa9ILGLydpHHlPf0tqzNrrXk/edit?usp=sharing</a><br />Qualified applicants will be evaluated based on:<ul><li>Interview performance</li><li>Participation in and commitment to PLAY Foundation</li><li>Parents&rsquo; willingness to assist and contribute</li></ul> Application Deadline: Friday, May 22, 11:59 PM PT If you have any questions, please contact us at playoutreach@gmail.com. Thank you, PLAY Foundation 2025&ndash;2026 Team</div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Thank You for Supporting the PLAY Foundation Spring Fundraising Concert]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.playyouth.org/news/thank-you-for-supporting-the-play-foundation-spring-fundraising-concert]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.playyouth.org/news/thank-you-for-supporting-the-play-foundation-spring-fundraising-concert#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 02:52:06 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.playyouth.org/news/thank-you-for-supporting-the-play-foundation-spring-fundraising-concert</guid><description><![CDATA[ (function(jQuery) {function init() { window.wSlideshow && window.wSlideshow.render({elementID:"738303359492660622",nav:"thumbnails",navLocation:"bottom",captionLocation:"bottom",transition:"fade",autoplay:"0",speed:"5",aspectRatio:"auto",showControls:"true",randomStart:"false",images:[{"url":"1/2/0/3/120380058/play-2026-concert-04.jpg","width":"800","height":"532"},{"url":"1/2/0/3/120380058/play-2026-concert-03.jpg","width":"800","height":"532"},{"url":"1/2/0/3/120380058/play-2026-concert-02.jp [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div style="height:20px;overflow:hidden"></div> <div id='738303359492660622-slideshow'></div> <div style="height:20px;overflow:hidden"></div></div>  <div class="paragraph">Dear friends, families, and supporters,<br /><br />With heartfelt gratitude, we thank you for your support of the PLAY Foundation Spring Charity Concert. Whether or not you were able to attend, we truly appreciate your continued support of our mission and community.<br /><br />Thanks to the incredible efforts of our student volunteers and performers, the concert was a wonderful success. We are especially proud of the&nbsp;<strong>student-conducted, all-student band and orchestra</strong>, whose dedication, talent, and leadership made the event truly memorable. Our sincere thanks also go to our guest performers, student musicians, and volunteers for their time, effort, and passion.<br /><br />We are deeply grateful to our sponsors and donors for their generous support. Your contributions make it possible for us to support local education foundations and families in need, while also creating meaningful opportunities for young musicians to grow and give back.<br /><br />To everyone who joined us in person&mdash;thank you for being part of such a special afternoon. Your presence and encouragement meant so much to our performers and to our community.<br /><br />We look forward to continuing this journey together and hope to see you at future PLAY Foundation events.<br /><br />With sincere appreciation,<br />PLAY Foundation</div>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>