I think the phrase “unprecedented times” feels more like an understatement. However even in the most complex times, wonderful acts emerge.
At the beginning of the year we were already 3 major events in the bag by March 1st with 2 more coming up by summer time. Andigo Credit Union had sponsored several events in 2019 for us and was looking to do more for 2020. We were thrilled with the partnership in 2019 and overjoyed by their offer to do more in 2020. As we were gearing up for their first two events the pandemic hit and the world shifted in a matter of days. We moved fast to pivot and see what we could do with what we had as the opportunity for in person events was looking far less likely. So we shifted to donating our Acme Creativity Kits from elements of our Big Draws and teaching online Chuck Jones Center art classes for free.
Andigo Credit Union could withdrawn or reduced their sponsorship but instead doubled down on what we were switching up operations to do. They very generously gave us a check for $40,000!!!!! They also donated 2500 custom co-branded tote bags for us to pack our creativity kits in!!! WHAT! YES!
But wait, there’s more.
Schaumburg/Hoffman Estates Rotary Club, one of the most active and philanthropic clubs in the country and has provided us several grants for programs in the past two years comes to pick up 100 kits for the Higgins Education Center in Hoffman Estates. We had just began a partnership with them to teach high school students our creative teaching process so that they can impact their community when then pandemic hit. How can we help? More kits and classes. Don Minor suggested we apply for a grant from the club to continue these efforts as we were continuing to purchase more supplies and teach more classes. We get the wonderful email in late May saying congratulations, we are awarding you $1,500!!! WHAT! YES!
Because of Andigo Credit Union, the Schaumburg/Hoffman Estates Rotary Club and friends making individual donations we have been able to do the following:
30 - Chuck Jones Center for Creativity Chicagoland classes I have taught for free to kids in our community, all over the nation plus Chile and the Czech Republic
13 - Chuck Jones Center for Creativity Chicagoland classes I have taught for the Schaumburg Township District Library
1 - Kids Corner Chuck Jones Center for Creativity Chicagoland class for Andigo
500 Acme Creativity Kits (another 1000 being assembled) donated to By The Hand Club in the Austin neighborhood in Chicago
200 Acme Creativity Kits donated to the Boys and Girls Club Dundee Township
175 Acme Creativity Kits donated to the Higgins Education Center in Hoffman Estates
150 Acme Creativity Kits donated to the Kenneth Young Center in Schaumburg
38 Acme Creativity Kits donated to Sunrise Senior Living Community
25 Acme Creativity Kits donated to The Moorings Senior Living Community
25 Acme Creativity Kits donated to Harbour Chase Senior Living Community
25 Acme Creativity Kits donated to The Garlands Senior Living Community
25 Acme Creativity Kits donated to Clare Oaks Senior Living Community
Over 150 picked up outside the studio for free to our community
Acme Creativity Kit
As we get into the second half of 2020 we have more to do. We want to inspire imagination and creativity in everyone, especially now. The ability to express what we have going on inside us creatively is part of what helps us process through life.
If we can help your organization please reach out to me, Ben Olson, ben@3mastudios.com or 630.546.9117.
