I am hosting a Senior Cabaret to benefit Young Artists of America and Horizons Greater Washington, two organizations that are close to my heart and doing important work in the DMV. Contributions will be shared equally between the two.

Suggested donation is $10, but please pay what you can — any amount, large or small, is greatly appreciated! I don’t want anyone to be excluded.

We will also accept cash contributions at the door.

Young Artists of America's BIPOC Scholarship Fund

Young Artists of America (YAA), founded by Rolando and Kristofer Sanz, trains young performing artists (grade 5 through pre-professional) in collaboration with leading, professional artists to present fully-orchestrated productions at state-of-the-art venues like its home stage at the Music Center at Strathmore. I have had the opportunity to train and perform diverse roles in eight full productions during high school with YAA, including one that will soon premiere on Maryland Public Television. YAA’s nurturing, high-quality, inclusive, and collaborative environment has allowed me to grow as both a performer and a human. Your contributions to YAA’s BIPOC Scholarship Fund will provide tuition assistance so that young performers can benefit from YAA’s incredible programming regardless of financial circumstances. youngartistsamerica.org

Horizons Greater Washington

Horizons Greater Washington is a tuition-free academic and enrichment program that was founded at Maret and now serves 430 K to 8 students in families from underserved communities in the DMV. Horizons offers an intensive summer program with additional school-year programming that builds critical skills in reading, math, swimming, and social/emotional development to prepare students for successful school years and college/careers. In order to make its program accessible, Horizons provides transportation, nutritious meals, and all the teaching and learning supplies needed, leading to “best-in-class” student attendance and retention. Rather than experiencing a “summer slide,” Horizons students gain an average of 1-3 months of skills in math and reading each and every summer, yielding higher GPAs and promotion rates as well as better attendance. Your contributions to Horizons will purchase necessities for this summer’s program like science kits, art supplies, and engaging fiction. Help Horizons welcome students back to the Maret campus with open arms and full backpacks! horizonsgreaterwashington.org