Association to Benefit Children

Dear Friends and Family,

We are raising money to help the Association to Benefit Children (ABC). With public schools closed and many parents without work due to COVID-19, many children cannot access regular meals.  ABC is serving [phone redacted] grab and go meals to East Harlem families each week which also contain art supplies so children can continue to express themselves artistically when they are at home.  ABC is also providing emergency child care for first responders and other essential health workers and distributing diapers, wipes, and baby formula to ABC families and the larger community.

Please join us in supporting this incredible organization (where we are proud to serve as volunteers) and the amazing children it serves!

 
Love,

Arielle Bakst & Ben Peyser

 

About ABC:

ABC is a non-profit organization that serves underserved children and families in New York City.  ABC’s mission is to offer every child a life filled with joy and love by creating compassionate programs in urgent response to the needs of New York City’s most vulnerable families.

Dear friends,

This year, I am teaching two different classes of 10 (or so) children each. ABC and I decided to do this so we can open up the experience to more children in its after school program. Each session (fall and spring) will culminate with an observation of technique and a short dance performance for their parents. 

Also new this year, I am excited to say I have brought on another young dancer, Caroline Schlumberger, who will be working with me for the next two years with the goal of taking over once I head off to college. Caroline is an enthusiastic 6th-grader who has also studied ballet in New York City at the Ballet Academy East and Steps on Broadway schools, and in Connecticut at the Nutmeg Conservatory with one of my favorite ballet teachers Ms. Sprance. Together we are working with the girls and it is so helpful to have Caroline there to help the children stay focused and engaged in class. 

Since I began teaching at ABC in 2016, my dance class has given these children a consistent and fun place to come and express themselves through dance and movement, and has also exposed them to the arts through our trips to the ballet. This year, it is our goal to bring all 20 of the kids to see George Balanchine's Nutcracker with the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center in early December as a special holiday treat. 

All of this wouldn't be possible without your support and we thank you so very much (from the bottom of our hearts) for any amount you can give. 

Wishing you a very happy holiday,

Lily and Caroline


About ABC;
More information about Association to Benefit Children (Abc): Since 1986, Association to Benefit Children (ABC) has been deeply dedicated to protecting the right of every child to a safe, permanent home, ample food, and a nurturing family. Through innovative and replicable programs, the organization serves children suffering from complex issues of poverty, hunger, emotional and physical abuse, disabilities, inadequate schooling, and homelessness. ABC seeks to ensure a bright future for some of the most vulnerable children in New York City by intervening as early as possible and maintaining support throughout their childhood. In keeping with the ever-changing complications of poverty, the organization urgently updates and expands its programs to meet the unique needs of each child.