Magic show for Habitat? Think again

Renowned mentalist Oz Pearlman headlines Habitat for Humanity MontDelco fundraiser

WHITPAIN » Oz Pearlman is a mentalist, not a magician. What’s the difference? According to Pearlman, who will be bringing his unique brand of showmanship to Normandy Farm Hotel and Conference Center, 1401 Morris Road, Blue Bell, on April 12 to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity of Montgom-

ery and Delaware Counties, mentalism is “magic of the mind — wholesome entertainment appropriate for ages 9 through 99” that amazes audiences based on nothing more than the “uncharted potential of the human mind,” as explained Pearlman’s website, www. ozpearlman.com.

“Rather than utilizing sleight of hand and fast fingers, mentalism requires a deep knowledge of human behavior. It combines a multitude of techniques including the art of suggestion, subliminal messaging, body language reading, statistical analysis and neurolinguistic programming. Every show is different because every person is different.”

A former Wall Street guru, Pearlman spent years learning how to read people and analyze what guides their decision making processes and claims to be neither a fortune teller nor a psychic, otherwise he said he’d be a frequent “lottery winner.”

Proceeds will support Habitat’s programs for low-income residents: homeownership, critical home repairs, financial literacy and neighborhood revitalization. Habitat MontDelco CEO Marianne Lynch noted: “The real magic of Habitat happens when people are handed over keys to their forever home or are able to stay in their homes because of the hard work that happens day in and day out. Having Oz bring his unique show to our cause shines a light around the issue of affordable housing. He will work his magic on our audience so that we can work ours in the community.’”

A recent example of Habitat’s unparalleled way of merging dreams, plans and “sweat equity” was celebrated last August when three families received the keys to hilltop houses on Ford Street in Bridgeport.

Disabled and retired intelligence officer Dustin Gray, who served two tours of duty in southwest Afghanistan, had said that all he ever wanted was to provide stability and security for his two children “and somewhere to call home,” a dream that was meaningfully accomplished thanks to the opportunity offered by Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery and Delaware Counties and the organization’s expansion into Bridgeport.

The home dedications marked the first joint event by the MontgomeryDelaware counties collaboration, noted Habitat Executive Director Marianne Lynch.

“Bridgeport is a really nice place to build,” Lynch said moments before the start of a dedication ceremony. “The borough is really easy to work with, and we’re really excited about what we’re doing here.”

“This is huge deal for us, dedicating three of four town houses here today. Habitat has provided 10 million people with a place to live over the past 47 years,” she told the small crowd gathered at the rear of the properties. “But there are still two billion people without a place to call home. Our nation is facing a housing crisis and our region is struggling too. Families living in overcrowded apartments are paying more than twothirds of their income for rent just in this community. We need an answer to help our neighbors.”

Tickets for the Habitat fundraiser featuring Oz Pearlman are available at www.habitatmontdelco. org/gala.