Record high temperatures this summer didn't keep children from participating in Arts to Grow programs:

At Arts to Grow, we strongly believe in the power of cause marketing! Partnering with a non-profit will help a business of any size distinguish itself as a community leader in their industry. Research shows that 1 out of every 3 consumers are more likely to buy a product or service if they know that a certain amount of the purchase price is being donated directly to a cause or campaign (American Marketing Association).



ATG is proud to announce two brand-new partners this fall: MeebleMail and ApK Media!
MeebleMail, run by Sharon Gaffney and Shana Clarke, provides an exciting new way to send emails while supporting a cause.  The site provides a stylish collection of stationery-style email templates that can be personally customized.  When you purchase one of ATG's design templates (coming soon!), MeebleMail will donate a percentage of the proceeds right back to us!


ApK Media is a recently founded media company in Brooklyn that serves as a scouting agency and a creative agency while also providing rental space. ApK Media seeks to be on the front lines of creative and media talent and is committed to supporting new and emerging companies as well as working with well-established entertainment giants. Founders Brian Lane and Daniel Navetta are excited to involve ATG in their upcoming projects!

In addition to our new partners, we proudly continue our work with ABA, Advanced Benefit Advisors.  This Philadelphia-based employee benefits firm has created the innovative Insurance Partnership For Giving (IPFG) Program to encourage clients to contribute to non-profits.  For each new client that ATG helps ABA acquire, ABA will voluntarily contribute a percentage of their earnings to our programs! 

Learn more about our cause partners.

This fall, we are expanding our programs in Brooklyn with our continuing partner Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation:

 
Additionally, we are returning for our fourth year at Riverdale Neighborhood House and our sixth year at Elysian Charter School. At Riverdale, teaching artist Miguel Cossio will engage kids aged 11-14 in painting, sculpture and printmaking, while at Elysian, Ms. Runcie will work with students in grades 3-7 on scene studies that range from The Hobbit to Shakespeare to The Phantom Tollbooth.

Sara Lise Raff Joins in New Role as Program Manager

Arts to Grow is very excited to have Sara Lise Raff, our former Arts Education specialist, take on a new role as our Program Manager. We're extremely proud to have her experience and expertise in this position on a daily basis - she will now be the primary liaison between our teaching artists and our program partners. Congratulations, Sara!
 

Arts to Grow has built a solid foundation and a track record for staying true to our mission: we've done 60 programs and have served over 1200 kids. We have worked with 14 program partners and our success has not gone unnoticed: over 50 schools and community organizations are waiting to partner with us. Our current board members share our passion for arts education and are willing to use their expertise and resources to support our operational needs and organizational growth.
 
Now we are looking for board members who can take this foundation and build a successful and sustainable business model. Potential board members should have experience, expertise, passion and connections. Some of the open positions include Vice President; Chair, Development Committee; Chair, Board Development; Finance Committee; and Advisory Board. Just this summer we added four new development committee members: Gabrielle Greeves, Peter May, Bill Sobel and Paula Some.
 
In early October, fine art dealer and advisor Carole Pinto hosted an intimate gathering at her home/private gallery. The evening included comments by noted arts educator Russell Granet and a testimonial from our partner Rob Abbott, CHLDC. We are planning additional events to engage new supporters; we welcome your involvement.  To learn more, please contact Mallory King at mking@artstogrow.org.  

Arts to Grow lost a dear friend, Kimberley Jordan, to a fatal car crash in June 2010.  Kimberley worked closely with us from early 2009 until the time of her death.  She was responsible for creating our Strategic Communications Plan (completed July 2009) and for leading the process to develop our unique selling proposition (completed February 2010).  Kimberley was a truly amazing force who quickly became a trusted advisor and true friend. Her many important contributions continue to guide our work. We are pleased to announce that our board president, Sophie Lechner has made a generous donation in Kimberley's honor for the purpose of purchasing our first fundraising software.   As we track every single donation made to ATG on our new software, we will be reminded of Kimberley and what she gave of herself through her work with us.  Our hearts go out to her loved ones.

Looking for that perfect birthday, anniversary, wedding or graduation gift?  Make a donation to Arts to Grow in honor of your friend or loved one!  Honorees will have their name listed on our website and will receive an extra special thank-you from Arts to Grow.  Your special someone will love a gift that gives back!