Dear Friends,
Last year at this time, I wrote to Variety New York’s supporters explaining that over 70% of children in our communities lack access to the arts and the opportunities that do exist continue to decline. I also promised that with additional support, Variety the Children’s Charity of New York would start to reverse that trend. Thanks the generosity of many of you, I am proud to report that Variety New York was in fact able to increase our impact by more than 20% and is serving over 16,000 children this year!
While impressive, I fear there is still much work to be done and we need your help to do it. Just this year alone, through several high profile news stories and reports, we learned some shocking facts about the state of the arts in our local communities. In New York City, funding for arts supplies and equipment has dropped 84% over the past seven years. Nearly half of the schools in the South Bronx and Central Brooklyn have zero arts programs. And, 44% of arts organizations nationwide are financially struggling.
Variety New York understands that our communities are facing a deficit. At the same time, we know the arts are one of the best vehicles to get youth ready to succeed in school, their community, their career and their future. Take for instance one amazing young woman, Melanie. This year, I had the pleasure of meeting her and learning about why the arts are such an important part of her life. The learn more about Melanie’s story and how an additional gift from you this year can help more young people like her click here.
I also encourage you to learn more about all of our grantee partners, see examples of their incredible artwork and read about Variety New York’s other accomplishments through our holiday newsletter here.
After learning about our reach and our impact, please consider a gift this holiday season.Our impact may have grown to change the lives of over 16,000 vulnerable youth, but there is still much to be done. Your gift will help us reach many more! Please donate here.
Thank you for all your ongoing support. I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season!
Sincerely,
Jessica Bynoe