Hi, I’m Gavin Esser, and I’m excited to support Friends of Materials for the Arts (FOMA) in their mission to inspire creativity through reusing materials.

I chose this organization because I care for the environment and find that recycling is a good cause. I had already volunteered at The Materials for the Arts, however another goal of mine is to raise money for this cause. One of my fondest memories when I was younger was reading the book “Joseph Had a Little Overcoat” with my mother. Joseph preserves his clothing -even when his overcoat is tattered up, he still makes something new out of it. Joseph carries the Jewish value known as “bal taschit” -meaning “to not destroy”. Like Joseph, Materials for the Arts’ mission is to give objects a new home that would otherwise be discarded.

FOMA plays a crucial role in engaging our NYC community, reaching tens of thousands with educational programming centered on creative reuse. Your contributions will help them expand their reach and continue providing valuable resources to artists and schools.

With your support, FOMA can:

• Fund workshops and public programs that educate the community about sustainable art practices.

• Provide free art materials to public schools, enriching the educational experience for countless students.

Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. Join me in supporting FOMA’s incredible work and helping foster creativity in our city!