Year in Review
The 2010-2011 school year was an exciting time for The Blue Shoe Project. Year after year we continue to increase students impacted. In 2011 we broke the 100,000 mark, bringing Blues education programs to 121,836 students since 2004.
Moving the program from the cafeteria on campus to a local performing arts center significantly enhanced the student experience. Imagine being a third grader experiencing a theater-style performance with sound, lights, stage, spotlights, music, and dancing. Smiles were contagious and everyone was learning!
Being added to the Texas Commission on the Arts touring roster was indeed an honor. Not only are we part of this prestigious group of artists, but membership makes arts funding much more affordable for under served schools that otherwise would not be able to afford this type of program for their students.
Receiving the Dallas Cowboys Quarterback grant for personal volunteerism was humbling. To be recognized for your work among peers who make such a significant contribution for the benefit of others was also rewarding.
Lastly, our efforts to raise money to build organizational capacity are seeing early signs of success. The Amon G. Carter Foundation, the George and Adeline McQueen Foundation, Arts Council of Fort Worth and Tarrant County have joined in supporting our mission. We continue to receive support from The Meadows Foundation, Arts Northeast, the Texas Commission on the Arts, Imagination Celebration. We also received our first major gift from local philanthropist Betty Sanders, whose support played a major role in the success of this year’s spring programs.
The growing demand for educators who believe in the importance of Blues music education is a vital part of a student’s arts and education experience. This continues to fuel the need for our mission.
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