At We Care Arts, every paint stroke, pottery pinch, and joyfully created sculpture is more than art—it’s a step toward healing, connection, and empowerment. And none of it happens without you. In April, we had one of our largest events ever with 400 seats sold for our Evening at the Races. Our We Care Arts team created a family fun event that not only allowed us to raise important funding for our programming but also was an opportunity for our community to come together to celebrate our mission focused on empowering healing through art and community for those with developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, and mental health diagnosis. Truly it was heartwarming to see our community come together, both long-time friends and new friends.
A Letter From The Executive Director
Turning Classrooms into Community: Your Generosity Empowers our Mission
“More than half of our mission is empowered by. . . YOU”
Pictured: Founder, Terry Schalnat, Emcee, Dan Edwards and Executive Director, Katie Neubert
Recently, we finalized our 2024 Annual Report—a look back at the powerful stories and progress made possible by our incredible community of supporters. You’ll see artist-clients highlights, quotes about our services, and stories about our classrooms and job training programs. It is testament to and provides a clear picture of how we’re proactively stewarding the resources you entrust to us. The fact is that while 31% of our funding came from service contracts (our classes are at no cost to the artist-clients), and 13% came from “other” sources like art sales or Outreach classes, the largest share—57%—came from you: through fundraising events like An Evening at the Races and generous individual gifts.
Pictured: The Averity Group CEO, Donnica Hawes Saunders and Hugh Mulzac III
That means more than half of our mission is empowered by people like YOU who believe in inclusive creativity and second chances.
Your support fills otherwise empty seats with opportunity. It turns a classroom into a community. It allows someone who has felt invisible to express themselves proudly—and to be celebrated for who they are.
As we step into spring—a season of growth—I ask you to consider making a gift that helps us keep growing at a level that is meaningful to you. Whether it’s your first donation or your fiftieth, your contribution is a vital part of the work we do together.
So as you check out our events and flip through our Annual Report, please know this: every dollar you give fills more than a seat—it fills a heart, builds a future, and colors our world with belonging.
Let’s keep those seats full and that creativity flowing. Because when you show up, our community comes alive.
With joy and gratitude,
Katie Neubert
Executive Director, We Care Arts
PS. Here is a link to our next event: Arts & Jazz July 26th!
