A MESSAGE FROM KAREN

Welcome to our 2023 Annual Benefit for Kids, “Building a Brighter Future.” We hope that you, too, are experiencing a blossoming energy and a renewed sense of optimism this spring! After three solid years of needing to react to constantly evolving circumstances and challenges, we at CAW can finally, genuinely say that our eyes are focused—firmly and full of hope—on the days ahead. And we don’t think we’re alone! In recent weeks, the pulse of our beloved city seems to have picked up pace, in ways that feel both familiar and fresh. (Have you felt it, too?)

In direct alignment with our mission, we have consistently drawn on our creativity in order to persevere, designing new modes of reaching and serving our youth and communities. Of course, this ability is at the very heart of what we aim to impart through our creative youth development programs! Having sustained robust opportunities for creative self-expression throughout the past three years has empowered our CAW kids to raise their voices, develop greater agency in the face of a turbulent world, and realize their strength. The resilience of our young people and our city—which is exceptional in its ability to rebuild and regenerate— is reflected in our event’s key image and in the explosion of youth-created art you see around you tonight.

While there is much to celebrate, it is tempered by the weight of responsibility to our young people. Though they have long since returned to their classrooms, NYC youth are still rebounding from the disrupted development, disconnection, and challenges to growth and wellbeing that these years have entailed. CAW’s commitment to youth development, connection, and communication through the arts is ongoing, and is, in many ways, more urgent than ever.

Your commitment and contributions make our work possible, and you have shown up for Creative Art Works and the young people we serve in a big way! As this journal goes to print, we are looking forward to our most successful event in history; we are gratified by, and grateful for, your support.

Thank you. Building together, the future is surely bright.

Karen Jolicoeur Executive Director