I was so pleased to welcome folks to the second annual furnARTure event on October 2nd at Bigham Knoll in Jacksonville, and only regret that I had to do so via video presentation. We raised more than $32,000, which will directly benefit the artists of The Studio, providing supplies, instruction and scholarships for artists with disabilities to attend workshop sessions. I am so impressed by the time and effort of the artists who transformed everyday functional items into wonderful works of creative expression and reached out, including painters with disabilities in the larger art community. Of course, the celebration couldn’t take place without the countless hours of behind-the-scenes volunteer work by an impressive group of people, as well as the generosity of our event sponsors, for which I am most thankful. It is gratifying to have such a strong base of sponsors, donors and volunteers who support our mission with the same passion as the staff and Board of Directors.
I couldn’t finish without announcing the receipt of two significant grants. The Meyer Memorial Trust has awarded us $75,000 to assist in our development and employment departments, a grant of $15,000 from Leightman-Maxey Foundation will help us address the waitlist for our job development services, and a $6,000 grant from the Carpenter Foundation will assist in the Studio. Thank-you so much to these generous funders!
I look forward to seeing you at the Ashland Livin’ Lovin’ Lunchin’ on November 16th and I hope you all have a jubilant Thanksgiving–I can’t think of any group of people who are more deserving.
Best Regards,
Roger
