Dear Friends,
On March 12, 2018, ArtsConnection celebrated four decades of providing crucial arts education programs in NYC public schools. Thanks to all of our amazing supporters, our 40th Anniversary Benefit raised over $1.4M to underwrite programs serving the students of all five boroughs.
Many of our special friends spoke about the importance of arts education: host Brian Williams reminded us that “particularly in challenging times, the arts can provide a pathway to understanding complex concepts”; Principal Frank Hernandez described the role the arts played in transforming his school from one of the lowest performing to second highest performing school in his district; musical guest and season 9 winner of The Voice, Jordan Smith, shared his own experience of how even one voice in support of a young person’s talent can change his life; and special presenter David Remnick reflected on how “ArtsConnection insists on the value of the arts in the consciousness of our children and students; in effect, it finds ways to impress on young boys and girls the unique value of art.” Our very own students, Sydney, David, Kahmaya and Alen, told us how ArtsConnection has helped each of them grow in this special video.
Our fundraising effort ensures that our city’s public school students have access to the arts as an integral part of their educational experiences, supporting our young people as successful, engaged learners and laying the groundwork for future academic and life achievement.
We look forward to working with all of you to bring the joy of the arts to all children for the next 40 years!
Sincerely,
Lisa Plepler
Board Chairman
Founding Chair Linda Janklow with Janklow Award recipient Principal Frank Hernandez of PS 49 in the Bronx
Brian Williams as the evening’s Masters of Ceremony
David Remnick paying tribute to the Plepler’s as a special presenter
Special guest performer Jordan Smith
Original artworks were presented to our guests by students from our Student Art Program
Our Teen Advisory Council representing ArtsConnection Teen Programs
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