December: Letter From The Executive Director
Dear Friends of We Care Arts:
As we usher in the season of joy and gratitude, I’m delighted to share some heartwarming moments and incredible achievements from our We Care Arts family. Our recent Artist-Client Thanksgiving Party funded by a grant from the Altrausa Club of Dayton, was an absolute delight! Witnessing the radiant smiles and camaraderie as we ate a hearty lunch, created festive string art projects, and even danced together was truly heartwarming. In my mind, it is these moments that exemplify the essence of our community—boundless creativity intertwined with a spirit of togetherness.
I also want to publicly share my deepest appreciation to our incredible donors who made Giving Tuesday an overwhelming success. Your generosity enabled us to take advantage of some amazing matching dollar opportunities from the Charles D. Berry Foundation and an anonymous donor that will work together to continue our mission focused on art and creating a sense of belonging which, as you know, can be all the more vital during the holidays. As Rick Willits, our Director of Community Engagement shared with many of you on Giving Tuesday, each contribution, no matter the size, embodies the spirit of giving that fuels our endeavors. I am so grateful for our community of supporters who are dedicated to ensuring that we continue to provide a nurturing space where artistic expression thrives, fostering healing and empowerment for individuals in our community.
But that was November and December heralds even more exciting events! Our artist-clients have been creating all year to ensure that you have a beautiful selection of gifts this holiday season in our gift shops and new this year the Tot Shop at our annual Cookie Walk on December 9th. I am also looking forward to our artist-client holiday party where we invite not just our current artists to join us, but also their families so we can celebrate together.
With that said, as we approach the end of the year, I want to take a moment to invite you to consider the profound impact of your donations. Your contributions are not just a part of our day-to-day operations; they serve as the cornerstone of our ability to empower healing through art and community in the coming year. Your generosity fuels our endeavors and directly impacts the lives of people right here in the Greater Miami Valley, amplifying the transformative power of artistic expression for our neighbors, families, and friends. Your help literally determines our capacity to expand our reach back to the levels we had prior to Covid-19, deepens our impact, and ensures that we have the necessary resources to continue empowering individuals on their healing journeys through the transformative power of art and community. The fact is that your year-end gift to We Care Arts is an investment in brighter tomorrows. Together, we are creating a ripple of positivity that will resonate brilliantly throughout 2024!
With heartfelt gratitude this holiday season,
Katie Neubert
Executive Director