At our 2016 Art in the Afternoon we were thrilled to first meet young advocate Elise Adler and her family. Later that year she decided to benefit AWBW with her Bat Mitzvah project and ask friends and family to make a gift to AWBW in her honor. Elise shared with us why she chose to support AWBW and has some great words of advice for others thinking of doing the same!

I first learned about AWBW through Ivivva’s Instagram. It was my birthday that day and it was a really fun way to spend it. We danced, used hula hoops, played Giant Jenga, made Touchstones, and met some stars from the Disney channel. It was wonderful to learn about the work AWBW does with people affected by trauma. Art helps people get their feelings out and I’m inspired by how AWBW helps people express themselves.

If you ever feel funny asking people for money, remember that it’s not for yourself. You’re giving people an opportunity to help others, and that feels good.

Elise and friends at her Ivivva party.

Following Art in the Afternoon I had my Bat Mitzvah in late 2016 and I knew I wanted to do something to help people that involved dance or art as part of my project. I decided to set up an online campaign on AWBW’s website and hosted a dance party at Ivivva to raise money for AWBW. I sent out invites to all of my friends to come to my party and included the link to my online campaign to encourage my friends to make donations. People who couldn’t come to my party still made donations after they learned more about what AWBW does. I was amazed at how much money I raised in such a short time that I ended up increasing my fundraising goal. In the end I raised over $1,800!

I highly encourage others to consider creating an online campaign! It’s easy to do and it lets your friends and family know that you care about something. If you ever feel funny asking people for money, remember that it’s not for yourself. You’re giving people an opportunity to help others, and that feels good.

Thank you Elise, for your enthusiasm and for sharing AWBW’s work with so many! We’re looking forward to the next Art in the Afternoon with you!