Zev wading around
This is the latest sample. Small Wonders Puppet Theater is a little local nonprofit that performs at nursing homes and senior care facilities. Joan Klasson asked me to write an acquisition fund-raising letter for first time donors. These folks need more information than a return donor would. So her emphasis is on how It's All About The Music got started.
Dear Friend,
When my mom had to move into a nursing home, I realized things would never be the same. Neither for her, nor for me. So, I made a promise to myself. I vowed to do the little things that would help bring joy into her life.
I started by coming for visits. That did a lot to lift my mom’s spirits, and mine too. Visits helped to lessen the guilt I often felt about our decision to place her in care.
Not to be left out, my golden retriever Zev, a trained service dog, came with me. Zev had already been going with me to my elementary art classroom, as well as to my children’s puppet shows.
The attention he was getting at the senior center was nothing new. He would allow the residents to pet him, stroke his ears and gently tug on his soft fur. Zev put smiles on the faces of many seniors. He provided a calming relaxation effect that these folks need.
Soon after, I realized that there was a way to bring joy on a larger scale.
Dear Friend,
When my mom had to move into a nursing home, I realized things would never be the same. Neither for her, nor for me. So, I made a promise to myself. I vowed to do the little things that would help bring joy into her life.
I started by coming for visits. That did a lot to lift my mom’s spirits, and mine too. Visits helped to lessen the guilt I often felt about our decision to place her in care.
Not to be left out, my golden retriever Zev, a trained service dog, came with me. Zev had already been going with me to my elementary art classroom, as well as to my children’s puppet shows.
The attention he was getting at the senior center was nothing new. He would allow the residents to pet him, stroke his ears and gently tug on his soft fur. Zev put smiles on the faces of many seniors. He provided a calming relaxation effect that these folks need.
Soon after, I realized that there was a way to bring joy on a larger scale.
Small Wonders Puppet Theater
Story Behind the Story
It happened one day after I’d presented a puppet show at a local children’s museum. Afterwards, I rushed over to my mom’s nursing home with Zev. I told some residents that I had just presented a puppet show. They were curious.
Someone asked if they could see one of my puppets. I answered that they were just children’s puppets, but they insisted. I brought in Floppy, a whimsical bunny rabbit puppet with soft, floppy, brown and pink ears. The residents were really happy and excited to meet her.
Seeing the fascination with the puppet, the nursing home staff asked if I could entertain the residents with a puppet show. I agreed to do it later in the week. The residents loved the performance, even though it was a kid show. The music was loud, and the show was lively and energetic. Puppets were dancing, and the audience tapped their toes and swayed to the beat.
That’s when I got a brilliant idea. I saw an opportunity to create a show for my mom and the other residents called, It’s All About the Music. It would feature the greatest music of their era – music seniors could relate to. The show would star the likes of Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, and Carmen Miranda. My own invention, Murray the Musician, would be the maestro.
I had been reading about the effect music has on people with the symptoms of aging—memory loss and dementia. Since the tunes come from their youth and were popular back in the day, most can still recognize and appreciate the music. Songs like Hello Dolly by Louis Armstrong, and I Got You Under My Skin by Frank Sinatra still strike a chord with the elderly.
It happened one day after I’d presented a puppet show at a local children’s museum. Afterwards, I rushed over to my mom’s nursing home with Zev. I told some residents that I had just presented a puppet show. They were curious.
Someone asked if they could see one of my puppets. I answered that they were just children’s puppets, but they insisted. I brought in Floppy, a whimsical bunny rabbit puppet with soft, floppy, brown and pink ears. The residents were really happy and excited to meet her.
Seeing the fascination with the puppet, the nursing home staff asked if I could entertain the residents with a puppet show. I agreed to do it later in the week. The residents loved the performance, even though it was a kid show. The music was loud, and the show was lively and energetic. Puppets were dancing, and the audience tapped their toes and swayed to the beat.
That’s when I got a brilliant idea. I saw an opportunity to create a show for my mom and the other residents called, It’s All About the Music. It would feature the greatest music of their era – music seniors could relate to. The show would star the likes of Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, and Carmen Miranda. My own invention, Murray the Musician, would be the maestro.
I had been reading about the effect music has on people with the symptoms of aging—memory loss and dementia. Since the tunes come from their youth and were popular back in the day, most can still recognize and appreciate the music. Songs like Hello Dolly by Louis Armstrong, and I Got You Under My Skin by Frank Sinatra still strike a chord with the elderly.
Billie Holiday sings, "I Can't Give You Anything but Love"
Music and Puppets: A Perfect Combination
Music is the last thing to go from our memories. Think about your favorite songs—in most cases, you will recognize them just by hearing a phrase or piece of the melody. The key to my show is the loud music that all residents can hear and enjoy.
The puppets add another dimension. The residents can sit up very close. They notice facial features and say things like “My Gosh! Those lips are so big,” or, “What beautiful eyes!” I see residents talking to the puppets and looking into their eyes. They are not shy about engaging with them.
When I realized all the benefits the residents received because of my shows, I had to find a way keep spreading the joy. That’s how I decided to make Small Wonders Puppet Theater a 501c (3), nonprofit. Now, I can raise money to cover my expenses. With the funds, I will build and repair my puppets, construct and light the sets, as well as purchase office supplies. Maybe, I can pay myself a stipend.
Hiring an assistant has been on my wish list for a while—I could use an extra pair of hands to help me transport equipment to and from the senior centers and to manipulate puppets. Most importantly, your donation will make it possible to take It’s All about Music to more care facilities in need of entertainment and joy. Please see the donation options below.
Presently, I am a one-woman show. I build all the puppets and sets myself. My son and husband lend a hand as cameramen and in recording the music. With your generous donation, I can continue providing my unique brand of quality entertainment to elderly residents in care facilities.
My mom has since passed on. What I started on her behalf has become a joyful experience for others. Won’t you please help me in my efforts?
In hope and gratitude,
Joan Klasson
Founder and Director of Small Wonders Puppet Theater
P.S. You want to know that mom had more than meals today …she had fun, too! You want to know that dad did not stare out the window all day, that he was engaged in something. That they smiled, they remembered. This is the gift we all wish to give our elderly. Please make your tax-deductible contribution to Small Wonders Puppet Theater today.
Music is the last thing to go from our memories. Think about your favorite songs—in most cases, you will recognize them just by hearing a phrase or piece of the melody. The key to my show is the loud music that all residents can hear and enjoy.
The puppets add another dimension. The residents can sit up very close. They notice facial features and say things like “My Gosh! Those lips are so big,” or, “What beautiful eyes!” I see residents talking to the puppets and looking into their eyes. They are not shy about engaging with them.
When I realized all the benefits the residents received because of my shows, I had to find a way keep spreading the joy. That’s how I decided to make Small Wonders Puppet Theater a 501c (3), nonprofit. Now, I can raise money to cover my expenses. With the funds, I will build and repair my puppets, construct and light the sets, as well as purchase office supplies. Maybe, I can pay myself a stipend.
Hiring an assistant has been on my wish list for a while—I could use an extra pair of hands to help me transport equipment to and from the senior centers and to manipulate puppets. Most importantly, your donation will make it possible to take It’s All about Music to more care facilities in need of entertainment and joy. Please see the donation options below.
Presently, I am a one-woman show. I build all the puppets and sets myself. My son and husband lend a hand as cameramen and in recording the music. With your generous donation, I can continue providing my unique brand of quality entertainment to elderly residents in care facilities.
My mom has since passed on. What I started on her behalf has become a joyful experience for others. Won’t you please help me in my efforts?
In hope and gratitude,
Joan Klasson
Founder and Director of Small Wonders Puppet Theater
P.S. You want to know that mom had more than meals today …she had fun, too! You want to know that dad did not stare out the window all day, that he was engaged in something. That they smiled, they remembered. This is the gift we all wish to give our elderly. Please make your tax-deductible contribution to Small Wonders Puppet Theater today.
Special Appeal Letter for VSA's Opening Minds, Opening Doors
Dear Friend,
Have you ever had to tell a story to a room full of people? Kind of nerve-racking, wasn't it? Now imagine you suffer from an anxiety disorder. Things become a little more challenging, then.
You can be overwhelmed by the size of an audience, or fret non-stop whether the microphone is working. You freak out about all the possibilities of what could happen. You worry about the littlest things, about the unknown. It’s common to have a panic attack. If you are vision-impaired and have to use a long white can to keep your bearings straight, it’s even more difficult.
Jennifer McKinney can tell you a story about that, because she lives it. She is part of Opening Minds, Opening Doors (OMOD), a VSA Texas program that provides opportunities for people with developmental and other disabilities to self-advocate through personal stories.
One of the techniques our coaches teach our OMOD participants is to remember to breathe. To take nice, deep, belly breaths. Inhale deeply, exhale completely. With each breath, stress and fear begin to collapse around you like a house of cards.
Each time Jennifer delivers a story, she experiences nervousness (even to the point of shaking) and intense anxiety, mixed with exhilaration. By discovering ways to channel her anxiety into positive energy, she can deliver a great story that is stronger than any obstacle.
Four-Year Grant Ends
Over the past four years, a generous grant from the federally funded Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities provided operating funds for OMOD. This money made it possible to host six-week classes around the state for aspiring speakers with disabilities. OMOD facilitates an average of 10 showcases and conference presentations each year at various cities around Texas. This four-year grant ended April 30th of this year. In the absence of this funding, we must turn to generous donors like you for help.
Audiences who have seen one of our showcases can understand why it is so important to continue the program any way we can. The people VSA Texas serves benefit greatly from not only the support and encouragement to write and share their own stories, but also the socialization aspect. Participants meet new people and exchange their ideas about themselves and society with others. Their stories help reveal ever-changing role of the disabled in our communities.
Sharing Stories Takes Courage
The performers take many risks when sharing aspects of their lives. There is a willingness to see the funny side of something emotionally difficult, or tell a story that pokes fun at themselves and society. OMOD speakers seek understanding and kindness towards differences. As Jennifer put it, “I want to be viewed as a real person and not just a walking or rolling disability.”
Please consider a gift today and help us reach our goal of $3,000 by August 15th to keep OMOD going. With your generosity, we can continue to provide workshops and speaking opportunities for Jennifer and other OMOD speakers.
Your tax deductible donation for Opening Minds, Opening Doors will continue the momentum started more than 20 years ago with the founding of VSA Texas.
Sincerely,
Celia Hughes Executive Director of VSA Texas
Have you ever had to tell a story to a room full of people? Kind of nerve-racking, wasn't it? Now imagine you suffer from an anxiety disorder. Things become a little more challenging, then.
You can be overwhelmed by the size of an audience, or fret non-stop whether the microphone is working. You freak out about all the possibilities of what could happen. You worry about the littlest things, about the unknown. It’s common to have a panic attack. If you are vision-impaired and have to use a long white can to keep your bearings straight, it’s even more difficult.
Jennifer McKinney can tell you a story about that, because she lives it. She is part of Opening Minds, Opening Doors (OMOD), a VSA Texas program that provides opportunities for people with developmental and other disabilities to self-advocate through personal stories.
One of the techniques our coaches teach our OMOD participants is to remember to breathe. To take nice, deep, belly breaths. Inhale deeply, exhale completely. With each breath, stress and fear begin to collapse around you like a house of cards.
Each time Jennifer delivers a story, she experiences nervousness (even to the point of shaking) and intense anxiety, mixed with exhilaration. By discovering ways to channel her anxiety into positive energy, she can deliver a great story that is stronger than any obstacle.
Four-Year Grant Ends
Over the past four years, a generous grant from the federally funded Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities provided operating funds for OMOD. This money made it possible to host six-week classes around the state for aspiring speakers with disabilities. OMOD facilitates an average of 10 showcases and conference presentations each year at various cities around Texas. This four-year grant ended April 30th of this year. In the absence of this funding, we must turn to generous donors like you for help.
Audiences who have seen one of our showcases can understand why it is so important to continue the program any way we can. The people VSA Texas serves benefit greatly from not only the support and encouragement to write and share their own stories, but also the socialization aspect. Participants meet new people and exchange their ideas about themselves and society with others. Their stories help reveal ever-changing role of the disabled in our communities.
Sharing Stories Takes Courage
The performers take many risks when sharing aspects of their lives. There is a willingness to see the funny side of something emotionally difficult, or tell a story that pokes fun at themselves and society. OMOD speakers seek understanding and kindness towards differences. As Jennifer put it, “I want to be viewed as a real person and not just a walking or rolling disability.”
Please consider a gift today and help us reach our goal of $3,000 by August 15th to keep OMOD going. With your generosity, we can continue to provide workshops and speaking opportunities for Jennifer and other OMOD speakers.
Your tax deductible donation for Opening Minds, Opening Doors will continue the momentum started more than 20 years ago with the founding of VSA Texas.
Sincerely,
Celia Hughes Executive Director of VSA Texas
P.S. We have experience and knowledge to help people with disabilities become successful public speakers. At the backbone of this program has been consistent support from people like you. With your contribution, you are telling the world that everybody has a story worth telling.
Facebook Post for #Giving Tuesday for VSA
What would life be without art? Dreary, no doubt. At the earliest ages we learn how to draw things, color them with crayons or paints, and stick them on the wall for all to admire. Then as we get more mature we have this thing called inspiration, that we are able to express only through art. It usually says something about life's experiences or complicated emotions. By portraying a common observation that everybody can recognize, displayed so uniquely and creatively that it now becomes art. A phenomenon that is known to heal people's mind, body, and spirit.
You would probably encourage everybody and anybody to make art if you could, even if you know she needs help accomplishing this wonderful endeavor. Well, VSA Texas does just that. By contributing $10 today to http://vsatx.org/donate you will help to educate and give opportunity to a disabled person that she might otherwise not have. Your money bolsters a variety of programs like Opening Minds Opening Doors, helps provide needed supplies, and promotes community. You will become part of the larger community for the arts and the disabled.
What would life be without art? Dreary, no doubt. At the earliest ages we learn how to draw things, color them with crayons or paints, and stick them on the wall for all to admire. Then as we get more mature we have this thing called inspiration, that we are able to express only through art. It usually says something about life's experiences or complicated emotions. By portraying a common observation that everybody can recognize, displayed so uniquely and creatively that it now becomes art. A phenomenon that is known to heal people's mind, body, and spirit.
You would probably encourage everybody and anybody to make art if you could, even if you know she needs help accomplishing this wonderful endeavor. Well, VSA Texas does just that. By contributing $10 today to http://vsatx.org/donate you will help to educate and give opportunity to a disabled person that she might otherwise not have. Your money bolsters a variety of programs like Opening Minds Opening Doors, helps provide needed supplies, and promotes community. You will become part of the larger community for the arts and the disabled.
#GivingTuesday: A Little History
Black Friday is typically the day that retailers are hoping to work their way back into profit. Black Friday is the first Friday after Thanksgiving. An illustrious day for capitalism, since 1932 it has historically been recognized as the kickoff to the holiday season. Shopkeepers are referred to as being in the black when they show a profit, as opposed to red. Hence the name, Black Friday.
As a result, other interests have asked for their own special days. Cyber Monday is when after people spent the Thanksgiving weekend window shopping, they would go back to their high-speed Internet offices on Monday and go online to purchase their favorites. The event debuted on November 28, 2005. Now, almost everybody has high-speed Internet in their homes. We all shop online every day, not just at Christmas time. Like regular land-based shopkeepers, online companies offer sales and other incentives to buy at this time a year. Especially on Cyber Monday, which is the first Monday after Thanksgiving.
Green Monday, coined by eBay, refers to its best selling day of the season. It is similar to Cyber Monday, except that it usually happens the second Monday of December.
#Giving Tuesday was created when two nonprofit organizations, the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation, joined forces in 2012, a month before the first scheduled #Giving Tuesday. Their intention was to set aside a day that was all about celebrating the generosity of giving, a great American tradition! That day is the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, and is supported by social media, volunteers, supporters and donors.
According to the Case Foundation, $117 million was raised in 2015 by nonprofits on #Giving Tuesday. It has become the international day of giving and philanthropy. The event began as a response to the excesses of commercialization and consumerism during the post Thanksgiving season.
Black Friday is typically the day that retailers are hoping to work their way back into profit. Black Friday is the first Friday after Thanksgiving. An illustrious day for capitalism, since 1932 it has historically been recognized as the kickoff to the holiday season. Shopkeepers are referred to as being in the black when they show a profit, as opposed to red. Hence the name, Black Friday.
As a result, other interests have asked for their own special days. Cyber Monday is when after people spent the Thanksgiving weekend window shopping, they would go back to their high-speed Internet offices on Monday and go online to purchase their favorites. The event debuted on November 28, 2005. Now, almost everybody has high-speed Internet in their homes. We all shop online every day, not just at Christmas time. Like regular land-based shopkeepers, online companies offer sales and other incentives to buy at this time a year. Especially on Cyber Monday, which is the first Monday after Thanksgiving.
Green Monday, coined by eBay, refers to its best selling day of the season. It is similar to Cyber Monday, except that it usually happens the second Monday of December.
#Giving Tuesday was created when two nonprofit organizations, the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation, joined forces in 2012, a month before the first scheduled #Giving Tuesday. Their intention was to set aside a day that was all about celebrating the generosity of giving, a great American tradition! That day is the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, and is supported by social media, volunteers, supporters and donors.
According to the Case Foundation, $117 million was raised in 2015 by nonprofits on #Giving Tuesday. It has become the international day of giving and philanthropy. The event began as a response to the excesses of commercialization and consumerism during the post Thanksgiving season.
VSA Texas Paints a Masterpiece of Community Giving
VSA is an international organization supporting the arts and the disabled. We are in 31 states and 52 countries, from Albania to Uruguay, representing Europe, Asia, South America, North America, the Middle East, and Australia.
In Texas and around the world, VSA has had an enormous impact by providing opportunities for the disabled to both create and appreciate art in all its many forms.
Disabled artists can find solidarity in the fact that artists from all over the world enjoy success and personal fulfillment through VSA. This worldwide organization, founded by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith, increases access to the arts for everybody.
VSA Texas provides those opportunities all across the state. It gives disabled artists in the performing and visual arts a chance to pursue their passions. Our organization helps integrate artists into society who might otherwise feel marginalized due to their disability.
VSA Texas has programs like Opening Minds Opening Doors, Bodyshift, New Media Arts, and Audio Description, along with their Veteran's Services and Side by Side Internships. They help shed a positive light on how people with diverse abilities can contribute to society as a whole. Many programs involve family and community partnerships.
Making art inclusive is full of obstacles. As you can imagine, funding for programs is one of the challenges VSA Texas faces. As a VSA board member, I have committed to raise $500 during Amplify Austin's community wide fundraising event on March 2&3.
To meet my goal I must have the help of my friends, family and others. Please support my efforts by scheduling your donation today. Together, we can make a world of difference in these artists' lives.
VSA is an international organization supporting the arts and the disabled. We are in 31 states and 52 countries, from Albania to Uruguay, representing Europe, Asia, South America, North America, the Middle East, and Australia.
In Texas and around the world, VSA has had an enormous impact by providing opportunities for the disabled to both create and appreciate art in all its many forms.
Disabled artists can find solidarity in the fact that artists from all over the world enjoy success and personal fulfillment through VSA. This worldwide organization, founded by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith, increases access to the arts for everybody.
VSA Texas provides those opportunities all across the state. It gives disabled artists in the performing and visual arts a chance to pursue their passions. Our organization helps integrate artists into society who might otherwise feel marginalized due to their disability.
VSA Texas has programs like Opening Minds Opening Doors, Bodyshift, New Media Arts, and Audio Description, along with their Veteran's Services and Side by Side Internships. They help shed a positive light on how people with diverse abilities can contribute to society as a whole. Many programs involve family and community partnerships.
Making art inclusive is full of obstacles. As you can imagine, funding for programs is one of the challenges VSA Texas faces. As a VSA board member, I have committed to raise $500 during Amplify Austin's community wide fundraising event on March 2&3.
To meet my goal I must have the help of my friends, family and others. Please support my efforts by scheduling your donation today. Together, we can make a world of difference in these artists' lives.
The Fit Ability Gym at Easter Seals' LIFE Center
Where can the disabled go to maintain their physical fitness? If you're lucky enough to live in Austin, Texas, you might try going to The Easter Seals LIFE Center. There they have weights of every type, a spin cycle, leg press machine, parallel bars and arm cycles. Machines that can tell you the distance and for how long, thigh machines, machines that a person can pedal from a wheel chair, Universal Gym that simulates rowing and push-ups. There is an exercise for any conceivable strengthening. The best thing is there are people to assist you and make it all safe!
After my stroke, I was asking myself, "Where do I go from here?" I didn't have a clue. It's a good thing I had such qualified and concerned therapists and doctors encouraging me to keep up with therapy and stay as active as possible.
Still in a wheelchair in November 2012, I started visiting the St. David's Wheel Chair Fitness Center located in the Hancock Shopping Center. Last year, we moved a little farther north to become part of the Easter Seals LIFE Center on Cross Park Drive.
For this reason, I started a personal fundraiser for Amplify Austin, March 2 & 3, to help the Easter Seals LIFE Center reach its overall goal of $30,000. I have committed to raise $1000, and I cannot do it without the help of friends, relatives, and others like you.
Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to fund the free Fit Ability Gym, Spinal Cord and Neuro Recovery Program, and the Outpatient Rehab Facility. All of these programs are crucial to the well-being of disabled children and adults that Easter Seals LIFE Center serve.
Will you please schedule a donation of at least $20 or more? This year the St. David's Foundation is including Easter Seals Central Texas in their match. This means they will match donation dollars up to $1,000,000 across roughly 60 organizations Texas.
Where can the disabled go to maintain their physical fitness? If you're lucky enough to live in Austin, Texas, you might try going to The Easter Seals LIFE Center. There they have weights of every type, a spin cycle, leg press machine, parallel bars and arm cycles. Machines that can tell you the distance and for how long, thigh machines, machines that a person can pedal from a wheel chair, Universal Gym that simulates rowing and push-ups. There is an exercise for any conceivable strengthening. The best thing is there are people to assist you and make it all safe!
After my stroke, I was asking myself, "Where do I go from here?" I didn't have a clue. It's a good thing I had such qualified and concerned therapists and doctors encouraging me to keep up with therapy and stay as active as possible.
Still in a wheelchair in November 2012, I started visiting the St. David's Wheel Chair Fitness Center located in the Hancock Shopping Center. Last year, we moved a little farther north to become part of the Easter Seals LIFE Center on Cross Park Drive.
For this reason, I started a personal fundraiser for Amplify Austin, March 2 & 3, to help the Easter Seals LIFE Center reach its overall goal of $30,000. I have committed to raise $1000, and I cannot do it without the help of friends, relatives, and others like you.
Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to fund the free Fit Ability Gym, Spinal Cord and Neuro Recovery Program, and the Outpatient Rehab Facility. All of these programs are crucial to the well-being of disabled children and adults that Easter Seals LIFE Center serve.
Will you please schedule a donation of at least $20 or more? This year the St. David's Foundation is including Easter Seals Central Texas in their match. This means they will match donation dollars up to $1,000,000 across roughly 60 organizations Texas.
