PAYSON, Utah, April 20, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Kevin Bacon was back in Payson on Saturday to cut loose for a charitable cause and celebrate the 40th anniversary of “Footloose.”
Bacon returned to Payson High School, where the 1984 hit film was partially filmed, at the urging of students who launched the #BaconToPayson social media campaign last fall. Students invited Bacon to the final prom before the school is permanently closed and demolished.
As part of the Golden Globe-winning actor, musician and philanthropist’s visit, Payson High students and the local community banded together to assemble and distribute 5,000 essential care kits for young people in need throughout Utah, Colorado and Nevada.
The charitable event is part of the SixDegrees.org initiative to distribute 40,000 kits through the Building Kits by Kevin Bacon program to commemorate the popular film’s 40th anniversary. The Utah Film Commission also took part in the festivities as it celebrates 100 years of film and television in Utah.
Beginning last fall, Payson High students created cardboard cutouts of Bacon and instigated “Footloose” flash mobs to catch the star’s attention. And it worked.
“It’s inspiring to see the dedication of these students and the community as a whole,” Bacon said. “Payson was just as welcoming as my first time here 40 years ago. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and today’s event truly showcases what happens when we show up for one another.”
More than 1,000 volunteers gathered at the Payson High football field Saturday morning before the school’s “Everybody Cut Footloose” prom to assemble the kids. Others chipped in with financial donations to facilitate more than $865,000 worth of products and 121,900 total items, according to the Utah Film Commission.
In addition, more than 3,000 volunteer hours were logged in the charitable effort.
“Today, everyone had a chance to witness the true essence of collective impact,” said Stacy Huston, executive director of SixDegrees.org. “From the visionary students who ignited this campaign to the generous brand partners who provided invaluable resources, from the individuals who donated to the local partners who lent their support in logistics and beyond — this event was truly a recipe for success. Together, we raised $1.1 million in in-kind products or services during this activation, benefitting four incredible organizations. This is the power of unity in action.”
Four Utah-based nonprofit organizations that align with SixDegrees.org’s focus on youth empowerment, justice, equity, sustainable living environments and emerging crises were chosen as beneficiaries of the event.
Encircle, Centro De La Familia, Spy Hop and Food and Care Coalition each received 1,250 essential care kits, including basic hygiene items, socks, journals, reusable water bottles, shelf-stable goods and three months of free counseling, among other comforts.
Bacon launched SixDegrees.org in 2007 to connect people to necessary resources, stemming from the phenomenon that everyone is connected by six degrees or less. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to creating dialogue, raising awareness, understanding and empathy around causes that communities care most about.
“Footloose” primarily was filmed in Utah County and featured scenes at Payson High School and Lehi Roller Mills. The box office hit grossed $80 million in North America, making it the seventh-highest grossing film of 1984.
Bacon’s return to Payson is part of a yearlong celebration of 100 years of film and television in Utah that also includes a large-scale exhibit at the Utah Capitol, according to the Utah Film Commission.
