Letter from our Founder

Will You Give to A4AC?

April 26, 2018 A4AC & Our Community ("Dance for Food" program included differently-abled children, thanks to Wings to Fly Dance Co.) Perhaps many of you have heard that Artists for a Cause (A4AC) “supports artists who serve community needs?” Maybe you have an artistically inclined child who has been asked to use their talent to help others? Or you know an elderly person that is served by the healing power of the arts? Perhaps you’ve even helped to feed the hungry yourself by attending a great “Dance for Food” performance?  For the rest of you, you may be wondering what is this organization? I’d like to share how it is different than many other nonprofits, why people gravitate toward this work that has a dual impact, both supporting culture and meeting critical community needs.   In December of 2006, my mother, who was in her 50s died from lymphoma, just a year after her diagnosis. As a performing artist, my career had blossomed affording me opportunity to tour with a multiple Grammy winning group, and to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in a production with Placido Domingo. But, I found myself frustrated  that I had no power to fight cancer, or even support important research that would create a better scenario for people like my mother.   It wasn’t long before I dedicated my first solo album to my mother, “Songs She Loved” and gave the proceeds from its initial release to the third largest nonprofit in the country, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. It was through a partnership with that organization that I began to understand the needs that visual and performing artists had when supporting charity. I felt that both the charity and the artists needed an advocate in order to create the best outcomes for these partnerships, and so Artists for a Cause was born and received 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in early 2009.    Since that time we’ve developed more programs, all with a focus on mentorship and development of young artists’ talent and values. The organization has now raised over 45,000 lbs. of food to feed the hungry, offers hundreds of unique community service opportunities for arts students each season, and impacts thousands of people through artistic support of charity events, and placement of artists to serve the elderly in nursing homes and assisted living facilities in two markets - Florida and Missouri.   Heather Morris, activities director at Grand Oaks Palm City, shares this comment from one of her elderly residents served by the Therapeutic Arts program. “The music brings them into a different reality. Of course we all remember the old songs but to see people that have never spoken sing along to the songs they used to sing. It’s beautiful!” – Ann Raab   Relating to Support for Charities program, Chris and Chuck Jung, coordinators of 2018 Mariner Sands Charity Week Concerts said, “For the last four years, Terry Barber and his organization have partnered with Mariner Sands Charity Week, one of the largest community fund raising programs in Martin County.  This year, in addition to the annual concert, Terry produced a separate musical event featuring young, exceptionally talented, A4AC performers from the Martin County area. These events were resounding successes, together contributing more than $15,000 to ‘basic needs’ charitable organizations.  Mariner Sands Charity Week is very pleased and proud to have Terry and his Artists for a Cause organization as partners in our charitable program. Thank you Terry and Artists for a Cause for a job very well done.”   I’m especially proud of the students we work with. Many of them have exceptional talent, but supporting artistic development isn’t our only goal. A4AC offers visual and performing arts students unique volunteer opportunities that engage them as community responsible people.   “Artists for a Cause has shown me that I CAN make a difference in my community. I am so thankful for the opportunities, friendships and support I have received by being part of this organization. But again, to know we are making a difference in people's lives is what means the most to me. I am so proud to be a part of A4AC!” – Alexis Bentinganan (pictured, right), A4AC scholarship student.   One of the organization’s most heroic supporters, Elisabeth Lahti shares, “When I see the work these arts students are doing, thoughtfully empowered by A4AC to help others, it gives me hope for the future. A4AC kids are impressive artists and impressive people.”    While private arts instruction is prohibitively costly for many, A4AC is an inclusive opportunity for arts kids because there is no cost to participate. Major corporations like Publix and Monsanto recognize the importance and unique approach of our work, but we can only keep programs like this happening if individual donors continue to prioritize A4AC.    Alison Schoppe, a parent of one of the talented students in the A4AC network, recently offered to host a party at her home to support the organization, and board member Maureen Cotter has hosted four seasons of exceptional student showcases which raise funds to support the organization's programs and scholarships for arts students. Shane Savage (pictured, left), a 17-year old classical bass soloist and winner of the Treasure Coast Symphony’s Concerto Competition exclaims, “I was able to say yes to a great opportunity this summer because of gigs and a scholarship I received from A4AC supporter, Terry Kish-Skidmore. I simply would not be where I am today if I hadn't had the support Artists for a Cause has provided.  Thank you for supporting A4AC!”   I want to thank all the student and professional artists, partnering charities, volunteers, and donors that have made this program the success it is today.    Most Sincerely,       Terry Barber, Executive Director Artists for a Cause Inc. 772-287-5272 Terry@a4ac.org Click below to donate.

Where will your donation go? Here are some numbers to guide you.   Click below to:    (Terry Barber with A4AC Club Kids, Fergusson Missouri) Back to top

Artists for a Cause supports artists who serve community needs.  Artists for a Cause is a national nonprofit organization that supports artists who serve community needs. Some programs help artists and charities to get the most out of their collaboration, while most produce results directly, by feeding the poor, healing the sick, or solving other problems through unique artistic solutions. Additionally, we never ask artist professionals in a struggling industry to donate or give away their livelihood.  No program is merely about art for arts’ sake – Artists for a Cause is about the arts as a solution.   Like our Facebook page! Visit our Website!

We would like to thank the following for their support.   Please, click to learn more.         Mr. Chain | The Elmezzi Foundation | Amy Inman | The Terrio Group | Publix Tim & Maureen Cotter | TC Palm | Paul J. Feinsinger, CPA, CFP The Firefly Group | Terrance & Patricia Barber | Faye A. Haverlock   The Pedersen Family Foundation | Jill Arbet | Forest Hills Gunster | Gordon & Doner  Women Supporting the Arts | Elisabeth Lahti | Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith The William H. Donner Foundation | Steven & Alison Clark The Kranzberg Arts Foundation | Style Encore | NisAir The MAH Foundation | The Des Lee Arts Collaborative  Artists for a Cause, Inc 1211 SW Sunset Trail, Palm City, FL 34990  .ZACK, 3224 Locust Ave., St. Louis, MO 63103  t:772.419.8778

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