The Peter Pan Foundation
The Peter Pan Foundation, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette, CA 94549
About
The Peter Pan Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that focuses on music, theater, and musical theater productions, including musical performances and a monthly cabaret night. Participants take part in teen leadership, volunteering, hospital visits, online interactions, inclusion events, and groups and assemblies that address teen self esteem and the struggles of daily pressures. The foundation also includes teaching and learning activities connected to its musical and theatrical work, and it produces sensory-friendly, ASL interpreted, and specialty audience geared shows with open casting to all performers regardless of race, ethnicity, appearance, age, gender, and skill level.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
The Peter Pan Foundation states that its mission is to inspire children of all ages to reach their full potential by building confidence, character, and creativity through music and theater while instilling the value of community outreach and philanthropy. The organization presents an annual “Wish Upon a Star” extravaganza featuring eight performances with more than 200 performers of all ages, including an annual “Wish Upon a Star” show performed on Memorial Day weekend at Diablo Valley College. The foundation created the PPF BAMM Squad, a think tank of teenagers who meet weekly to help run The Peter Pan Foundation.
The Peter Pan Foundation came to life on January 1st, 2007, and was founded by Leslie Noel Hansen. Its community involvement focuses on bringing magic and support to patients at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, Make-A-Wish kids, and kids with special needs; raising money through musical fundraisers to donate to causes in need of financial support; partnering with other causes, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation; and visiting hospitals, kids with special needs, schools, other philanthropic organizations, and individuals who need a pick-me-up.
The foundation has received several forms of recognition, including the Jefferson Award for Public Service, Diablo Magazine’s Threads of Hope Award, the Comcast Bay Area News Group Hometown Hero Award, the AT&T Community Spotlight Award, two Tony Award Nominations for Education, Contra Costa County Arts & Culture Commission Recognition, and the Starbucks & Born This Way Foundation Community Partner Award and Grant.
Participants and supporters describe their experiences in various ways. Elijah Waller notes that in a little over a year with the foundation, he has met people, made friends, and enjoys brightening the days and lives of many children. Lleyton Allen describes The Peter Pan Foundation as an all-inclusive foundation that is extremely fun and allows creativity, and recalls singing a first song at Children’s Hospital Oakland and seeing children’s faces light up. Karen Mulvaney states that what stands out is how participants and Leslie, its leader, transform moments and lives and that through dedication, effort, and action they create what she calls magical experiences. Dane Lentz explains that a conversation about including ASL in the program led to being drawn to the mission of inclusivity and feeling a strong sense of love within the foundation. Zac Faber says it is a place where he feels safe, accepted, and truly happy, and where he feels he can make a difference in his community and the world. Natalie Adele Schroeder shares that she joined at six years old, immediately felt she did not want to leave, and describes the foundation as “magical” and life-changing for her. Leticia Bennett says the foundation has “taught my heart to fly” and describes the community as inclusive, passionate, and encouraging. Grant Feuer, who joined in fifth grade and is now in college, reports learning many life skills, gaining confidence, working behind the scenes, appearing in productions, and being given leadership opportunities, and describes The Peter Pan Foundation as home, happiness, and “pure magic.”
Last updated July 25, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
The Peter Pan Foundation states that its mission is to inspire children of all ages to reach their full potential by building confidence, character, and creativity through music and theater while instilling the value of community outreach and philanthropy. The organization presents an annual “Wish Upon a Star” extravaganza featuring eight performances with more than 200 performers of all ages, including an annual “Wish Upon a Star” show performed on Memorial Day weekend at Diablo Valley College. The foundation created the PPF BAMM Squad, a think tank of teenagers who meet weekly to help run The Peter Pan Foundation.
The Peter Pan Foundation came to life on January 1st, 2007, and was founded by Leslie Noel Hansen. Its community involvement focuses on bringing magic and support to patients at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, Make-A-Wish kids, and kids with special needs; raising money through musical fundraisers to donate to causes in need of financial support; partnering with other causes, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation; and visiting hospitals, kids with special needs, schools, other philanthropic organizations, and individuals who need a pick-me-up.
The foundation has received several forms of recognition, including the Jefferson Award for Public Service, Diablo Magazine’s Threads of Hope Award, the Comcast Bay Area News Group Hometown Hero Award, the AT&T Community Spotlight Award, two Tony Award Nominations for Education, Contra Costa County Arts & Culture Commission Recognition, and the Starbucks & Born This Way Foundation Community Partner Award and Grant.
Participants and supporters describe their experiences in various ways. Elijah Waller notes that in a little over a year with the foundation, he has met people, made friends, and enjoys brightening the days and lives of many children. Lleyton Allen describes The Peter Pan Foundation as an all-inclusive foundation that is extremely fun and allows creativity, and recalls singing a first song at Children’s Hospital Oakland and seeing children’s faces light up. Karen Mulvaney states that what stands out is how participants and Leslie, its leader, transform moments and lives and that through dedication, effort, and action they create what she calls magical experiences. Dane Lentz explains that a conversation about including ASL in the program led to being drawn to the mission of inclusivity and feeling a strong sense of love within the foundation. Zac Faber says it is a place where he feels safe, accepted, and truly happy, and where he feels he can make a difference in his community and the world. Natalie Adele Schroeder shares that she joined at six years old, immediately felt she did not want to leave, and describes the foundation as “magical” and life-changing for her. Leticia Bennett says the foundation has “taught my heart to fly” and describes the community as inclusive, passionate, and encouraging. Grant Feuer, who joined in fifth grade and is now in college, reports learning many life skills, gaining confidence, working behind the scenes, appearing in productions, and being given leadership opportunities, and describes The Peter Pan Foundation as home, happiness, and “pure magic.”
Last updated July 25, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.