CalArts Program funds

Keiti Fitzgerald is organizing this fundraiser.

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Hello! My name is Katie Fitzgerald, and I am an aspiring animator.

CalArts has notified me that their board of review has great interest in me and my work. Recently, CalArts gave me the amazing opportunity to study animation as summer residency student.

Of course, as much as I would love to go and continue my artistic growth, I do not posses the funds to do so.

My father has recently passed away, and my mother is a single parent with incredibly limited income. Having to provide for both my sibling and I on such a limited income while trying to fund my education provides my mother with a difficult financial burden.

Additionally, I also injured my leg severely this past January. As a result, I have trouble standing and walking, which has made finding a job to help cover this cost no easy feat. With limited funds, medical expenses, and a family to care for, we have little money to cover it all.

Unfortunately, the school does not offer any financial aid for the program, even for families in need. This makes it incredibly difficult for me to seize the potentially life-changing opportunity that has been offered to me.

My family’s financial situation stands as the only obstacle between me and attending the program, which is why I am asking for help. While I feel some discomfort in reaching out to others. I feel it is truly the only way in which I can strive towards making this dream a reality, at this time due to my circumstances.

The program costs $4,800 in addition to $1,025 for housing. Along with that is the cost of a flight to California and food: A flight to California costs around $800. In total, I am hoping to raise about $6,500. While I realize the cost is immense, and that I have an extremely short time window to make it, I know with confidence that the program is worth the money. As one of the most prestigious schools for my major, CalArts would equip me not only with skills and professional connections, but allow me to further my artistic growth.

To quote from CalArts’ letter:

"Keep in mind tuition is due by May 11 at 4:00 PM Pacific. I recommend you not wait until the last minute just in case you run into any unforeseen difficulties (e.g., credit card troubles or bank processing time). Any students with an outstanding tuition balance after the deadline will be automatically withdrawn from the program."

If I do not make enough money for the program by the date, I will decline my acceptance and use the money for other school expenses.

Any donation, large or small, would significantly help my family and I send me to school. I am deeply appreciative of those who took the time to read this letter, and would be extremely grateful for any form of aid.