masthead
Issue #3, Vol 4                                                      March 2009
In This Issue
LA Street Scenes 3:
Everyone Has a Story
A Mentor's Experience
MacLay Middle School
Peace Mural Unveiling
Kidz Kreationz
Featured Sponsor: Vivian Campbell
and Lola's, West Hollywood
Our Sponsors
Quick Link

Greetings!
 
Welcome to the March edition of our newsletter. We've been busy with a number of exciting projects that we're delighted to share with you.

Please join us for two special events: 

City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo will unveil our Peace Mural at MacLay Middle School in Pacoima on March 18th at 3:15pm. There will be a fun celebration for the kids who created the mural that is open to all.

On April 30th, we'll present LA Street Scenes 3: Everyone Has a Story. This powerful performance will be held at the Edgemar Center for the Arts in Santa Monica. Additional information is below.

In this issue, one of our mentors shares his experience of teaching guitar to a group of teenage foster boys at Optimist Group Home. His story highlights some of the challenges and the great joys and many rewards of mentoring. It also illustrates how the arts can help youth to open their hearts as they learn valuable skills.

Thank you for your continued support! Together we can help the most troubled youth in our community to Create Now. If you would like to volunteer or make a contribution, please contact me today.

With gratitude,

Jill Gurr
Founder and Executive Director
Mentor and student collaborate on Peace MuralMacLay Middle School Peace Mural Unveiling

City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo will unveil our Peace Mural (which his office helped sponsor) at MacLay Middle School in Pacoima on March 18th at 3:15 pm. This project brings together children ages 11-14 who live in one of the most gang-infested neighborhoods in the city. The kids have been working with our mentors Roger Dolin and Tim Cornelius to create a unique mural dedicated to international peace that's painted on canvas and then glued to the wall. We hope that you'll join us for the celebration. The address is: 12540 Pierce Avenue, Pacoima, CA  91331. For additional information, contact us at: (213) 484-8500 or [email protected].
LA Street Scenes 3: Everyone Has a Story

Create Now is proud to present our 3rd annual performance, LA Street Scenes 3: Everyone Has a Story. Based on actual events, this compelling and powerful theatrical experience is constructed from original stories written by the youth in our Write Now program. Seating is limited. Click here to buy tickets online and view complete event details.

 
Mentor Steven Ruiz in guitar workshopA Mentor's Experience

Steven Ruiz has been mentoring foster teenage boys at Optimist Group Home since early December 2008. He shares his experience of teaching a weekly Guitar Workshop and bringing hope and confidence to youth in need.

Kidz Kreationz

"Brownie", created by 14-yr-old Javier for MacLay Middle School Peace Mural

This portion of our international Peace Mural at
MacLay Middle School will be permanently glued onto
the wall along with the other pieces of the mural.

Created by Javier, 14 years old, it is six feet in height  
and nicknamed "Brownie" by the artist, after his favorite food.

 Featured Sponsor - Vivian Campbell of Def Leopard

Viv Campbell of Def LeopardSpecial thanks to Def Leppard lead guitarist Vivian Campbell for donating an evening on March 7th to have dinner with ten of his fans. Vivian graciously gave his time and promoted this opportunity on his websites.

Lola's in West Hollywood for martinis and dinnerAs a result, ten lucky winners flew here from all over the country for the chance to enjoy a scrumptious dinner and martinis with Viv at Lola's in West Hollywood. The d�cor and service were also impeccable, allowing everyone to share a magical night that they'll never forget. Best of all, essential funding was raised so that we can maintain our programs and reach more troubled youth through the arts.
 And Now, a Word About Our Sponsors!

We couldn't begin to reach the thousands of children that we serve each year if it weren't for the generous, ongoing support of our sponsors. Visit our sponsors' pages at the Create Now web site to learn more about our gracious supporters.  
 
Create Now is an independent, 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1996. Our mission is to transform the lives of high-risk and at-risk youth through creative arts mentoring, education, resources and opportunities. The organization serves kids who have been abused, neglected, abandoned and orphaned (foster youth), are left homeless, runaways, teen parents, victims of domestic violence, children of prisoners, substance abusers, gang members or incarcerated. In the past thirteen years, we've reached over 18,000 of these troubled kids through our unique arts mentoring and cultural programs and services.

Phone:  (213) 484-8500
Email:  [email protected]
Website:  www.createnow.org