High school senior's unique fundraising program inspires academic excellence
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — On Saturday, October 6 beginning at 6:30 PM at UCLA's Schoenberg Hall, Art of the Brain, an unprecedented organization of "Brain Buddies," brain cancer patients and families who celebrate art and life undefeated by brain cancer, will enjoy its 13th anniversary Gala with hundreds of friends, food, music, and a special new Youth Initiative – the "Brains for Brains" program.
Art of the Brain (AOB) was founded by Judi Kaufman, a successful entrepreneur, community activist and poet after she was diagnosed with her first brain cancer tumor in 1997. Based on Kaufman's vision, AOB focuses on two areas: A network of Brain Buddies, who help to support and mentor individuals and families struggling with brain cancer, and also volunteer to make the annual AOB gala a success; and on creative pursuits as a vehicle to help brain cancer patients survive and restore their self-esteem in the face of debilitating brain cancer side effects. Art of the Brain raises public awareness about this deadly disease, spotlights the strength and courage of brain cancer patients, and helps raise money for brain cancer research in order to find a cure. AOB encourages all creative pursuits — Kaufman turned to poetry as her path back to hope in the wake of the damaging effects of brain cancer. She is now a published author of several poetry books. Since 1999, Art of the Brain has garnered over $5 million for brain cancer research.
Spearheaded by a Los Angeles area high school senior, the "Brains for Brains" program seeks to both inspire students to excel academically and raise funds and awareness for AOB. Parents and friends will be invited to pledge a predetermined dollar value to AOB based upon the grades their student will receive on his or her next report card. When the report card arrives, a copy is sent to AOB along with a donation check appropriate for the grades their child received. If the student achieves an A grade average over the course of a year, that student will earn the Art of the Brain Youth Scholar Award and will receive a certificate in the mail. Eligibility for this award is blind to the amount donated – the student need only fulfill the grade average requirement and be an active part of the program.
"I believe that 'Brains for Brains' will truly inspire students – they will work harder in school, and they will also know that their hard work is going towards helping others," says Kaufman. The Art of the Brain Youth Scholar Award will therefore recognize both academic excellence and social consciousness. Kaufman considers this an exciting model, presenting a fresh approach to engaging young people and their families in community service via academic excellence, one that is replicable anywhere, at any school. For more information visit www.artofthebrain.org.
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