By Felicia L. Niven
The students sat spellbound as the curtain rose and the music began. On stage, Cinderella’s world unfolded — not through words, but through movement, expression, and the magic of the Atlantic City Ballet. For many of the 300 students from Principle Academy Charter School and Stafford Township Intermediate School, this was their first time seeing a live performance.
This is the Schultz-Hill Foundation in action — bringing the arts alive in meaningful, memorable ways that open young minds to new worlds. The students’ enthusiasm didn’t stop at the performance; they dove into a lively Q&A session with the dancers afterward, asking thoughtful questions about practice routines, career paths, and the global journey many of the artists took to reach the stage.
“I’ve never been to a ballet before,” said Olivia Thiffault-Esche, a sixth grader at Stafford Intermediate School who dreams of becoming a dancer herself. “I’m really excited to see how the dancers will tell the story of Cinderella without words.”
In preparation for the performance, the students studied different cultural interpretations of Cinderella and even examined the science behind stage lighting and set design. “Watching Cinderella come to life on stage gave our students a whole new appreciation for the discipline and creativity involved in the performing arts,” said Sara Caporilli, Chief Operating Officer at Principle Academy Charter. “To then see it all brought to life in a professional performance—this kind of experience is priceless.”
The "Meet the Artist" program is a cornerstone of the Schultz-Hill Foundation’s mission to promote arts, history, and education throughout South Jersey. “By introducing students to live performance and giving them the chance to interact with professional dancers, artists, and musicians, we hope to help them gain a deeper appreciation for the arts,” said Gary Hill, co-founder of the Schultz-Hill Foundation. “At the same time, we may be planting the seeds that might inspire the next generation of talent.”
And it’s not just students who benefit. Schultz-Hill also supports the arts for seniors through its Senior Music Series, and funds local arts initiatives through its DINA scholarships and grants. Past recipients include the Atlantic City Arts Foundation, MudGirls Studios, Historic Cold Spring Village, and the Bay Atlantic Symphony. All of this is made possible by a single annual event—one unforgettable evening that fuels a year of inspiration.
Mark Your Calendar: The Disco Ball
This summer, the Schultz-Hill Foundation invites you to slip on your platform shoes and get ready to boogie. The annual benefit concert returns to the Superstar Theater at Resorts Casino Hotel on Friday, August 1, 2025, with The Disco Ball, featuring the high-energy New York Bee Gees Tribute Show and special guest Crystal Stark of American Idol fame. From disco-era classics like Stayin’ Alive and Night Fever to beloved ballads like To Love Somebody, the New York Bee Gees deliver a powerhouse performance that keeps the crowd moving. The group’s members have performed alongside music legends including The Alan Parsons Project, Queen, and Enrique Iglesias. Crystal Stark will bring her signature sound with a tribute to iconic female vocalist Donna Summer.
VIP tickets are $175 and include preferred seating and entry to a post-show champagne and dessert reception. General admission ($40) and preferred seating ($55) are available via Ticketmaster or at the Resorts box office. VIP tickets may also be purchased directly through the Schultz-Hill Foundation at www.schultz-hill.org.
Resorts Casino Hotel is the presenting sponsor, with President Mark Giannantonio and Mrs. Susan Giannantonio serving as honorary chairs of the Celebrity Committee. Sponsorships start at $500 and provide an opportunity for individuals and businesses to help bring transformative arts experiences to schools, senior centers, and neighborhoods across South Jersey.
Whether it’s a child discovering ballet for the first time or a senior singing along at a concert, the Schultz-Hill Foundation continues to prove that the arts don’t just entertain — they connect, inspire, and transform.
