Summer Stars Camp for the Performing Arts has launched a national campaign, Who Is Your Inspiration?, to raise both funds and awareness to support future camp sessions by appealing to celebrities that the campers view inspiring. As Summer Stars Camp for the Performing Arts reaches out to economically disadvantaged youth at no cost to their families, the camp relies solely on the generous support of individuals and foundations. This program serves to fulfill the dreams of those who do not have access to quality arts education, and would not otherwise have access to a residential summer program.
Who Is Your Inspiration is a national, grassroots campaign that uses camper-created video messages to raise awareness about the benefits of the camp. In these inspiring and heartfelt videos, former campers touch on how camp impacted their lives and why it is so important that others be given the same opportunity. Campers speak directly to their celebrity inspirations, making an appeal for their support of the arts in the form of a donation to Summer Stars Camp for the Performing Arts. Some celebrities have already responded! Britney Spears and 50 Cent have issued grants totaling $55,000 to help jumpstart the fundraising efforts.
Who Is Your Inspiration will be launched through social networking sites and e-mail campaigns. In addition to celebrities, Americans everywhere will be asked and empowered to make a difference in the lives of kids through a variety of interactive donation opportunities at www.whoisyourinspiration.org.
"This is truly an exciting time for Summer Stars," said Camp Director, Donna Milani Luther. "By engaging our alumni in the campaign, we know America will get a genuine glimpse into how the camp changes the lives of those that attend. It is quite a remarkable transformation. We are hopeful that this new campaign will shed some light on the vital need for arts education and development in our youth today, and raise the funds necessary to continue touching the lives of children who do not receive this education in schools, or are unable to pursue their passion outside of school."
The camp, whose past supporters include 50 Cent, Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, Blue Man Group and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, also affects the character of each camper. In addition to the opportunity to hone existing talents and acquire new ones, campers develop essential life skills: confidence, creativity, problem solving, leadership, team building, and risk taking. They take these standards, this work ethic, and a renewed sense of self-worth into all facets of their lives.
"Before camp, I was very self conscious and uncomfortable in my skin. But being around other kids like me, that loved to sing, I felt confident for the first time. And I took that confidence home with me. Summer Stars camp changed my life," said a fourteen year old camper of her experience.
"I built a high wall around myself so I can't get hurt. But, here everyone was just looking to be themselves. Everyone was so relaxed…I learned I don't need that wall. I think this camp is the best thing you can do to find yourself," said another twelve year old camper.
To support the camp and make a contribution of your own, please visit www.whoisyourinspiration.org
About Summer Stars Camp for the Performing Arts: Summer Stars Camp for the Performing Arts is a non-profit organization devoted to providing economically disadvantaged 12-15 year-old kids with an opportunity to discover themselves and their potential through the arts.