"Robyn & YAI Need Your Help!" GTTM 2020

Greetings Team Robyn,

As you likely know, my Husband Matt and I run a non-profit children’s theater in the east side community of Saint Paul – Young Artists Initiative!!! He is the Artistic Director and technically I am the theaters #1 Cheerleader and Super Volunteer. We spend an enormous amount of time, passion, and lives dedicated to this theater company and all who are impacted by it. The community, the children, and we are better because of of YAI!  

On the first night of any production we ask the kids to go around the room and welcome the new kids who are joining YAI for the first time. We ask them to say their name, how long they have been involved, and what they love most…. I am always amazed and motivated by how many kids share some version of the same story “I have been doing this for __ years and I keep coming back because this is my family, this is where I belong”.  

Once a year during our annual donation campaign / “Give to the Max” donation campaign, we turn to our village, our friends and family, our co-workers and ask for support in keeping the mission going for this theater. The theater is partially funded through grants and ticket sales – but mostly it is through donations from people who know that the arts matter and believe children should have a place to belong. Matt and I are honored to have the opportunity to create a space and village that fosters this sense of belonging.

YAI has been offering this place to belong for 16 years and it is exciting times because we hoping to evolve and cultivate deeper relationships and programming for the children/community!! The kids and their families have been asking to add a third show to our season and offer additional ways for the kids to be involved. This theater is their happy place and we are trying to give them as much access and opportunity to be involved as possible.

However, this is only possible with increased donations and securing additional stable funding sources.

So now the ask….. I need your help. I don’t ask for much in this world but I have NO trouble asking for a cause I believe in and a group of kids that mean the world to me.

Anything helps - $20, $50, $100 and on. The money is obviously the goal – but even more so each donation is validation to myself, Matt, and mostly the kids that theater matters. The arts matter. And having a place to belong in this world matters. The board of directors, Matt, and many parents have set a goal of raising $2,000 each with a total goal of $20,000. Team Robyn and Team YAI – we’ve got this!

Please consider offering anything you are able and know YOU also belong at YAI. For more information please check out our Facebook page at - https://www.facebook.com/youngartistsmn/ 

Thank you again for your consideration to keep the YAI community thriving.

 With Gratitude,

Robyn, YAI Board Member

MISSION

The mission of Young Artists Initiative (YAI) is to transform lives through theater! We do this by educating young theater artists through accessible, high quality performing arts programming offered in an inclusive community setting.

NOW AVAILABLE! Monthly giving is now available. You can select this option when you click on donate. Sign-up is quick and easy, and it is a great way to offer continued support and make an even bigger difference for Young Artists Initiative!