Georgia On My Mind: Quinn's Calling

CAMPAIGN UPDATE: Goal of $2,000 by July 31st REACHED thanks to YOU!! THANK YOU!!!

In April, I was accepted into the Bachelor of Fine Arts program at Savannah College of Art and Design, located in Georgia, for Fall 2017. On my own, I've managed to cover over $31,000 of my tuition through scholarships, grants, and Federal loans; this leaves me $6,000 short of actually being able to go.

By August 1st, my tuition for SCAD is due. This amazing, non-profit University has awarded me their highest possible scholarships for Arts & Academic Achievement, and I couldn't be more grateful. But sadly, my family is still unable to pay the remaining cost of only $6,000. Last year, my dad suffered a stroke and lost his job, which I took on, but we were forced to downsize. I've moved three times in the last year-and-a-half. It's crazy, thinking I might've had this covered: this year, I was one of 80 semi-finalists out of over 5,000 applicants for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation's Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship--the largest in the country--and the only representative from Riverside, CA. Unfortunately, the same month I was accepted to SCAD I was notified that I would not be receiving the JKCF scholarship award...

Do you know what it's like, coming close enough to touch a dream? I've been homeless as a teenager, and after my mom passed away, all I had was art and education: the ability to make a difference. At Junior College I maintained a 3.9 GPA while working several jobs, freelancing, completing the Honors Program, and helping kids discover they could achieve their dreams, too, by working for the Film department and tutoring Japanese language. My own shortfilms have raised money for the Cancer Society (in honor of my mom) and extended Visas for my international cast members. Change is possible!

If you're someone I've had the pleasure of working with in the past, or a former student of mine, or just somebody who believes in the power of education, YOU CAN HELP! Any amount donated is IMMENSELY appreciated and pays for my Fall tuition as well as my relocation to Savannah, Georgia -- I traded my camera for a plane ticket. With over $31,000 raised, I can't do this without you. If we can raise even $2,000 by July 31st, that takes care of the first installment of the remaining $6,000 and begins the process of changing a life -- my life.

Here's what you can do:
-Donate: Help me reach $2,000 by July 31st; ANY amount helps!
-Spread the word: Re-post and share this page with big-hearted individuals like yourself.
-Stay up-to-date by following me on Instagram: @densetsu.dante
-Tag it on Twitter and Facebook: #QuinnsCalling

Your efforts mean everything to me; I know how hard fundraising can be. Since 2014, I've captained a fundraising team for CHOC Children's Hospital network contributing to over $2 million dollars in donations. And like any great venture, there are rewards: top contributors who donate over $50 or confirm shares from 25 of their friends (Facebook, Instagram) will receive SIGNED ARTWORK - by me - not posted anywhere else.

So thank you, everyone. I can't tell you what it means to share my story and have it heard. After all, stories are what I live for. I hope you'll be a part of mine.
LOVE