Message from Board President Jim Riordan
To all the talented participants, dedicated audience members, faithful donors, and the many friends and admirers of VSA Wisconsin … a warm thanks! Each one of you is a vital part of the vibrant VSA Wisconsin community and I truly appreciate your enthusiasm for our mission.
Like me, I suspect that you can appreciate the sentiments of Santa Fe-based author, community activist, and calligrapher Mary Lou Cook, who declares, “Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.” Thousands of children and adults with disabilities affirm these thoughts each year as they participate in VSA Wisconsin programs and showcase their accomplishments in public performances and exhibitions.
In these demanding economic times, VSA Wisconsin asserts that the arts are more important now than ever before. Participation in the creative arts stimulates the senses, has a steadying effect on emotions, and lifts the human spirit. VSA Wisconsin programs provide these crucial benefits for individuals with disabilities, as well as those of us “in the audience.”
I am proud to tell you that VSA Wisconsin is responding creatively and conscientiously to the country’s current economic challenges. Board and staff members continue to use best practices, providing careful oversight of expenses. We are also broadening our revenue sources in order to maintain our financial stability. Whether there is a recession or not, we will continue to take creative approaches to our programming in order to make a difference in the lives of thousands of people with disabilities.
We can’t do it alone, however. Please know that your financial contributions are extremely important. In the spirit of creativity, I encourage you to show your own resourcefulness in supporting VSA Wisconsin. There are a number of ways to give, and here are a few suggestions:
- Make an unrestricted contribution to VSA Wisconsin today (click on the red box at the top of this page).
- Become a recurring donor and contribute regularly through our recurring gift program.
- Double your contribution with a matching gift from your employer.
- Include VSA Wisconsin in your will. Through a planned gift, you can leave a legacy and secure VSA Wisconsin’s long term success.
VSA Wisconsin is a well-run, financially sound, and innovative organization. Our history and mission are built upon originality and imagination. With your help, we will continue to use the arts to expand the capabilities, confidence and quality of life for people with disabilities.