PIE, Piedmonters for Inclusive Education, will host its 2nd Annual Benefit Concert on Friday, February 27, from 7:00–9:00 p.m. at the Piedmont Community Hall. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Piedmont Recreation Department’s (PRD) Sidekicks Program, which trains teens to support inclusive after-school classes and summer programs for neurodiverse school-aged children.
The concert will feature We Are Leaves, a local indie pop band made up of Beach Elementary parents whose music and lyrics are deeply rooted in the Piedmont community. Formerly known as The Date Nights, the band includes Matthew Zapruder (lead vocals and guitar), Peter Jaeschke (bass), Supina Mapon (violin and vocals), and Steve Pearson (drums).
According to Larisa Martiniak, PRD’s Adaptive Program Leader, 60 teen Sidekick volunteers supported more than 60 children last year. Sidekicks work one-on-one or in small groups with campers, helping them navigate activities, build confidence, and feel included alongside their peers.
Parents have found the program transformational for their families. It not only allows their children to participate in camps they might otherwise not be able to attend, but also creates a space for them to thrive. One parent shared, “I couldn’t love this program more if I tried. I loved that the Sidekicks got to know my child before camp and were prepared to support the areas he struggles with.”
Another noted the unique value of the peer-based model: “This summer was one of the most engaged summers for him because he was able to attend so many camps. He cannot do that without a Sidekick. If I hire an aide, they stand out. A teen Sidekick blends in, making it easier socially for my child to participate.”
For Sidekick volunteers, the impact is equally profound. “Teen Sidekicks develop strong communication abilities, patience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence—skills that extend far beyond the program and into school, work, and future careers,” Martiniak said.
PIE’s Benefit Concert plays a critical role in sustaining and expanding the Sidekicks program. Proceeds enable Sidekicks to expand offerings, develop new classes and camps, increase staff training, and collaborate more deeply with regional neurodiverse service providers. The program is carefully designed and highly individualized, requiring significant planning, training, and coordination behind the scenes.
For We Are Leaves, performing at the benefit aligns closely with the band’s values and their view of music as a connector. “Sidekicks is a stellar example of the best of Piedmont,” Zapruder said. Martiniak added that she hopes the community sees that “Sidekicks is not just a support program for campers—it is a community-wide investment in inclusion, leadership, and belonging.”
The evening promises to reflect the best of Piedmont: local talent, shared purpose, and a commitment to inclusion—set to music.
Learn more about Sidekicks here, Piedmonters for Inclusive Education (PIE) here and We are Leaves here. Co-sponsored by PIE and the Piedmont Recreation Department. Purchase tickets here or with QR code above.