Thursday, December 4, 2008

a post from Lori



Dear friends,

As we move into the final weeks of 2008, I think it is a good time to review the wonderful year we had at RBKids, some of which you've read about on this blog! Our artistic accomplishments were many, from the PS Broadway in-school performances, and original ACTE II summer intensive final show, to our nationally televised TV appearances on Rachael Ray, Rosie Live, and Live from Rockefeller Center on NBC just last night. The ACTE II students also performed at benefits around the city- Gilda’s club, Children Affected by Aids Foundation, and at Societe Generale’s upcoming Christmas party at the Rainbow Room. We prepared ten 8th grade students for admittance into Performing Arts High schools, the results of which we will find out in the spring.

Our greatest and most pressing challenge for the upcoming year is fiscal. The economic crisis has affected us all; giving has been reduced across the board for almost all charitable organizations, and unfortunately, we've had to make cuts to the budget across all areas by cutting schools, services, and part-time staff. However, we are left with our greatest asset: the excellent teachers and their commitment to the students of RBKids.

In order to continue the important work we do, we will need your help in 2009, and I encourage you to make a donation, no matter how small, today, by visiting www.rbkids.org.

Thank you, as always, for keeping up with the family here at RBKids! We look forward to the year ahead.