Hi everyone,

My name is Philip Galinsky, Founder and Director of Samba New York! This campaign is to raise funds for our dear friend, Tashaun Thomas, who really needs our help.

My wife Valerie and I first met Tashaun in 2007 when I was a teaching artist in residence for the samba program, Harlem Samba, at The Frederick Douglass Academy High School in NYC, where Tashaun was a student at the time. Soon after graduating, Tashaun became a professional percussionist in Samba New York! for a number of years, later taking a break from samba, but always remaining a cherished member of our Samba Family.

In 2014, Tashaun got a job at MACY's but was recently laid off due to budget cuts. He has been looking for work ever since. At the same time, up until recently, he had been living with his father and younger sister. His father has been diagnosed with colon cancer and diabetes and ultimately lost his job, compelling Tashaun to use all the money he had earned and saved up — including most of his 401k benefits — to keep the household afloat and pay for hospital bills for his father. Now that his father and sister have moved away, Tashaun is currently in an apartment from which he will be evicted soon, and he is facing severe financial hardship.

Since losing his job, Tashaun has been looking for work but so far to no avail. Valerie and I and the Samba New York! community have been invested in Tashaun's success in life, and this is why we are reaching out to you today.

The funds raised from this campaign will go toward allowing Tashaun to book a room at a youth hostel while he finds a job. His goal is to get a new job and his own apartment so he can move forward in his life and thrive as he so deserves.

In his own words, Tashaun says:

"I am coming to all of you not only asking if you could donate anything you can to help me start getting back on my feet, but with an appreciation in knowing that you all most likely have your struggles in life as well. I have a plan to get back to work with my 12+ years of experience in logistics and back of house operations and utilize my future savings to get an apartment sometime soon. I have been sending out résumés, doing constant interviews . . . and using my resources to the best of my ability. I don’t consider this a handout, but an opportunity to have a fresh start while continuously doing the required work it takes to better my situation. I appreciate any and every dollar that you donate to the cause, and I truly appreciate you all, especially knowing that you are family to the samba group we all know and love. Thank you for the consideration, stay safe, stay blessed, and continue to spread love."

We love Tashaun dearly and would truly appreciate any help you could provide to give him a jump start to get back on his feet.

Thank you so much for your consideration and your anticipated help.

Love,

Philip and Valerie

Directors, Samba New York!