Free Arts for Abused Children
11965 Venice Blvd. Suite 402 * Los Angeles, CA. 90066
phone: 310-313-4ART * freearts@earthlink.net * http://www.freearts.org

When we chose which charity to work with, I initially considered a cancer related charity but then thought we could benefit a cause that Summer was interested in getting into herself. She'd always wanted to teach art and in her last months, thought about specifically studying art therapy. I mentioned this to my friend Eden Unger, who told me that her mother had been involved with a great organization called Free Arts For Abused Children. She put us in contact with her mother, Elda, and I went to her house with my friend Cari, who designed this website. Elda herself is an artist and her house is completely covered in amazing artwork made by herself and her children, all of whom are great artists in their own right. Elda was very gracious and told us about the charity's history, gave us some literature, and showed us a video about Free Arts. I was easily convinced that Summer would have loved to have been involved with their cause.

Free Arts for Abused Children brings the healing and therapeutic power of the arts to more than 43,000 abused and neglected children and families in crisis each year. Free Arts trains volunteers to work with children at residential care facilities, family shelters and the Children's Courthouse. Founded in 1977, Free Arts serves over 63 facilities in Los Angeles and Orange County. Dance, drama, writing, music, painting and other avenues of creativity are used to encourage children to channel emotions, release anger and develop positive self-esteem. The philosophy behind all Free Arts programs is as simple as it is effective: Art Heals!

I'm thrilled to have Free Arts involved with this project. When I suggested that they have some of the kids they work with do some “Summer” drawings for the cd booklet, I was sent an envelope full of genius. It was hard to choose which ones to use. Thanks to all of the kids that made something for us. Please check out Free Arts' website and donate your time or money if you can (or just buy 100 copies of Songs For Summer). I hope the money we raise can make a difference with some kids who deserve the chance to simply CREATE. It does help.