With a mission statement that reads: ARTS is dedicated to healing, inspiring, and empowering youth facing life challenges by providing innovative arts-based programs, education, and employment opportunities, there is something truly special about this non-profit organization.
A Reason to Survive, also known as ARTS, was first imagined by artist Matt D’Arrigo in 1992 while his mother and sister both were battling cancer. Being able to paint and dive into music became a sanctuary for him and gave him “A Reason to Survive” the emotional times that he faced. After the death of his mother, he noticed how the arts had truly helped him during one of the most difficult times in his life and he aspired to give that same opportunity to kids facing their own personal crisis. In 2001, he founded ARTS with the philosophy that the arts can help heal and change lives. Starting with just an outreach program at Ronald McDonald, ARTS grew and spread to 15 sites by 2006!
A Reason to Survive is now a successful San Diego based organization that believes that the visual, performing, and literary arts can literally transform the lives of anyone, but especially those of kids. They believe in the therapeutic powers of the art and use all art forms as a vehicle to create positive, long-lasting change in children and youth facing major life challenges. This not only gives them a reason to survive, but also a reason to thrive. This non-profit organization does not have a certain skill level required; it accepts anyone who seeks to find a place to go to express themselves. Currently, in San Diego, they have a 7,000 sq. foot center with rooms of all arts, including ceramics, mixed media, music, painting, and more!
Through their 3 core programs, ARTS annually serves 5,000 San Diego youth ages 3-22 from more than 42 partner organizations that include hospitals, foster care agencies, residential treatment facilities, homeless and domestic violence shelters, schools and other social service agencies. The ARTS also serves children in the general community who are facing their own personal struggles. These children are referred to us by doctors, therapists, counselors, and social workers. The ARTS is made up of a team of passionate and dedicated staff, volunteers, partners, donors, vendors, and kids all working towards a common goal: To give kids A Reason To Survive through the arts!
Here at the Right Light Photography, we feel it is vital to find something that is important to you and give back. A Reason to Survive is important to us for many reasons. Personally, I, Lauren Lopez, have been through the battle of cancer with my grandparents and by expressing myself through writing and photography, I found a unique peace. In photography, I not only was able to look back on memories, but I was able to capture the personality and love of my family throughout the hard times. It is through the difficult times that we don’t know what to do and to find a place where you are given the opportunity to seek refuge through painting, music, and other art is priceless.
For this reason, The Right Light Photography has put together a Benefit for the ARTS that gives the chance for anyone who believes in this program and wants a way to give back to come and learn more. At this Benefit, there will be an introduction and personal words from A Reason to Survive and even a speech from the Right Light’s very own, Jason Kirby. We will be selling raffle tickets for the ARTS that will give everyone the opportunity to not only support a great cause, but be in a drawing to win some great prizes, like art, photography classes, and more! This night is for anyone who supports giving youth in troubled times an opportunity to express themselves and strive in these times with art. This Benefit for the ARTS will take place on October 27 from 6-8pm at The Right Light Photography Studio in Little Italy. Officially RSVP at http://rsvp.sandiegophotographyclass.com/
Come and be a part of this amazing night and learn more about this great cause at http://www.artsurvive.org/
