Western Reserve (OH) Chapter Links, Incorporated, 30th Anniversary Program 2017

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Years ofPrograms The Western Reserve (OH) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is an organization of accomplished, dedicated women whose purpose is to make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. The Links members are newsmakers, role models, mentors, activists and volunteers who are linked in friendship and connected in service. Five Facets comprise our programmatic focus. A synopsis of our programs, which represent decades of outreach to the Greater Cleveland community, is highlighted below. To learn more about these programs, please visit our website at westernreservelinks.org/programs. THE ARTS FACET goal is to increase and expand art activity, and elevate our programs through arts integration and effectively create an arts renaissance within our organization and programmatic efforts. Throughout the nation today, Links Chapters partner with museums, symphonies, arts councils, educational institutes and corporations in order to support art programs, especially where there is a focus on artists of color. Links are creating and supporting opportunities for educating minority youth in the arts and presenting and supporting performances by youth and accomplished professional artists in a diversity of disciplines. 1. Roots of American Music, a project consisting 3. Paper Doll Project, engaged children grades kindergarten to eighth grade in an authentic,

of four theme-based sessions - the Kickoff of Living Rhythms; an African Roots of Rhythm workshop; an Afro-Brazilian Music workshop; and, an Exploration of African and Brazilian Polyrhythms of Hip Hop session. The proj- ect included a four-month musical residency program focused on the African roots of music and was targeted at children at the Sutphen School of Music, the George Washington Carver Elementary School, and the YWCA of Cleveland. 2. “Friends of Sutphen Music School”, a four- year collaboration with the Phyllis Wheatley Sutphen School of Music. Western Reserve (OH) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated donated much-needed musical instruments, office furniture, supplies, and equipment. The Chapter also sponsored a $1,000 life member- ship to Phyllis Wheatley; supported numer- ous musical arts programs; and established a partnership between Sutphen and the George Washington Carver Elementary School to provide selected students an opportunity to participate in an intense culturally enriched program of vocal instruction, dance, poetry, violin and wind lessons.

interactive, hands-on Native American Doll Exhibit and educational presentation of over 50 dolls in tribal dress representing Alaska, Canada, the United States, Central and South America. The project enabled the 450 chil- dren who participated to understand the role of Native Americans in Ohio history. The children also took part in a three-week Pa- per Doll Art Project where they colored and embellished over 500 dolls for children being treated in emergency rooms at Metro Health, University Hospitals, and the Cleveland Clinic. The Paper Doll project was a collaboration with the George Washington Carver Elementary School. 4. A Gala Arts Debut, a Black-Tie fundraiser to introduce classically trained artists to the community, presented in collaboration with Accord Associates. 5. Karamu House Project, a major fundrais- ing and audience development effort which allowed the Western Reserve (OH) Chapter to present Karamu with a check for $10,000 and over $1,200 in books, toys, and games for the day care center.

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