Actor Kevin Bacon returned to Payson High School in Utah, where Footloose was filmed 40 years ago. The student body campaigned to bring him back before they moved to a new facility, and they decided to volunteer for his charity, Six Degrees, by building 5,000 care kits for those in need. The event pulled together over $865,000 worth of product distribution and four organizations will receive the kits, which include hygiene items, socks, journals, reusable water bottles, shelf-stable goods, and an offer for free counseling for three months.
Bacon expressed his surprise and gratitude for the community’s efforts in bringing him back to the school. He highlighted the power of the movie Footloose in bringing people together, standing up to authority, being forgiving, expressing oneself, and showing compassion. He commended the students for turning his return into a positive event and expressed his excitement to work together with them to build the care kits. The students also presented Bacon with an honorary diploma and his own varsity jacket commemorating Footloose.
Footloose, released in February 1984, tells the story of teenager Ren McCormack, played by Bacon, who moves to a small town where dancing and rock music are illegal. Ren works to overturn the law and the film was a box office success, earning $80 million. Since its release, Footloose has been adapted into a stage musical and remade in 2011, but Bacon has admitted to avoiding the iconic soundtrack songs like “Footloose” and “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” at weddings.
In the 40 years since Footloose hit theaters, it has continued to resonate with audiences and inspire new generations. The film’s themes of standing up for what is right, expressing oneself, and showing compassion are still relevant today. Bacon’s return to Payson High School and the students’ efforts to give back to the community exemplify these values and highlight the impact that movies like Footloose can have on bringing people together.
The event at Payson High School to volunteer for Six Degrees and build care kits for those in need was a testament to the power of community and the positive impact of giving back. Bacon’s presence and the students’ commitment to helping others showcased the values of standing up for what is right, showing compassion, and uniting for a common cause. The legacy of Footloose and Bacon’s timeless performance continue to inspire people to come together, make a difference, and spread kindness in the world.
In conclusion, Kevin Bacon’s return to Payson High School and the student-led effort to volunteer for his charity, Six Degrees, before prom night demonstrated the enduring impact of movies like Footloose and the importance of giving back to the community. Bacon’s speech highlighted the movie’s themes of standing up for what is right, expressing oneself, and showing compassion, while also expressing gratitude for the students’ commitment to making a positive difference. The event served as a reminder of the power of coming together, uniting for a common cause, and spreading kindness to those in need.
