Arts fund for Dora and Colette

Dear friends, family and colleagues of Sonja and Britton,

A few months ago, when I asked Sonja, "what can I do?" she told me her wish was that I put together an Arts Fund for Dora and Colette so that they could continue to study cello, attend theater camp, take voice classes and explore other artistic pursuits as they continue through school. After discussing it with Britton, Sonja's sisters, and friends of Sonja's from Princeton, Oberlin and U of O, we decided a gofundme campaign would be the best way to reach people.

Sonja and I became friends in Oberlin, OH when Dora was just a baby. During those Ohio years, our daughters took dance classes together and Dora began to study cello. Exposure to the arts was so important to Sonja and there was never any question that her children would experience as many creative pursuits as possible. Having a cello playing daughter was a dream for Sonja that has come true twice over. I hope you will help sustain that dream. Sonja estimated that it would cost $12,000 for the girls to continue cello lessons until they graduated from high school. I would like to raise $25,000 because there are so many artistic opportunities that will arise for these two and I know Sonja would want them to have the financial ability to go on orchestra trips, tours with a youth theater company and attend summer intensives.

If you are in a position to give a large donation, like $1,000, you could think of it as sponsoring both girls for an entire year. I know Sonja would also love the idea of this support coming from many of us, and from all parts of her life, chipping in any amount. Whatever you can give will be put to good use. Thank you, in advance, for your generosity and care for the Boos-Reeser family.

With gratitude,

Holly Handman-Lopez along with Barbara Hahn (Berlin, Germany), Ian McNeely (Eugene, OR), and Heidi Thomann Tewarson (Oberlin, OH)