N. Farmington High grad Oz Pearlman now world-renowned mentalist
North Farmington High School grad Oz Pearlman’s performances are mind-blowing experiences for his audiences.
As a 13-year-old attending Farmington Public Schools, Oz Pearlman’s life was changed while traveling on a bar mitzvah cruise to Bermuda.
Pearlman, who would later graduate from North Farmington High School at age 16 before earning an engineering degree from the University of Michigan, was blown away by a magician’s performance on the ship.
“After that trip I bought every magic book and video I could find,” Pearlman revealed in a umich.edu article. “You wouldn’t see me without a deck of cards in hand from age 13 to 18.”
Pearlman’s fascination with magic has evolved into his status as one of the most sought-after mentalists/mind-readers in the world.
He regularly performs at massive corporations’ team-building events, was a finalist on “America’s Got Talent” and has entertained several professional athletic teams, including the Detroit Lions.
Amazing entertainer, amazing cause
Pearlman will be the keynote performer at JARC’s fall fund-raising kick-off event set for Sept. 18, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., at Detroit’s The Jam Handy (2900 E. Grand Blvd.).
JARC, a Michigan based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves people with developmental disabilities via group homes, independent living support, and in-home respite care, is looking to raise $1.2 million in funds to support its vital programs and services that enrich the lives of people with developmental disabilities.
Founded in 1969 by a small group of parents concerned about the future of their children, JARC is known for high-quality, community-based residential and support programs and has led the way in enriching lives and erasing barriers.
The Sept. 18 event will begin with dinner at 7 p.m. and will be followed by an hour-long performance by Pearlman that starts at 8 p.m. Dessert will follow the interactive experience of dazzling audience mind reading to wrap up a fun night of fundraising.
For more information on the event, sponsorships, or to reserve tickets, click here.
‘Mystifying act’
“Oz has a unique ability to engage groups both large and small with his mystifying act,” raved Jim Weddle, CEO of Edward Jones. “A true professional whose performance is appropriate for all types of events. You will be amazed!”
Born in Israel, Oz’s family moved to the United States when he was 3. It was in a Farmington Hills school that he discovered a passion for math as he earned near-perfect scores on high-school level aptitude tests at the age of 12.
“When I went to college I really didn’t know what my passion was,” he told umich.edu. “I kind of just fell into my strong suit.”
Pearlman’s entertainment career started at the age of 14 when he dazzled patrons at a Farmington Hills Italian restaurant.
“The fall fundraising campaign, and especially this event, is incredibly important because donations provide the funding that makes it possible for the people we serve to get where they need to go, enjoy unique events and activities,” said JARC CEO Shaindle Braunstein.
Enriching lives of developmentally-disabled people
The funds raised from the nonprofit’s fall fundraising campaign will enrich the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities served by JARC in 45 locations in metro Detroit.
Government funding provides JARC with the necessities to serve those in their care; and donations to JARC support everything that makes life fun and exciting for those they serve, such as recreational and social programs, and other quality-of-life opportunities.
JARC celebrates its 55th anniversary as an organization in August 2024.
“We are beyond thrilled to welcome Oz Pearlman, one of the world’s greatest mentalists, to our annual fundraiser,” said JARC Board of Directors President Adam Jahnke, who is also an event chair for this year’s annual event.
“His show promises to provide an extraordinary and unforgettable experience for our generous supporters, while also helping us raise vital funds for JARC.
“With Oz’s unbelievable talent and our community’s incredible commitment, we are excited to continue advancing our mission of enriching the lives of people with developmental disabilities.”
