Awesome Foundation Connecticut

Did you see us on the Better Connecticut show on WFSB (1/29)?  Andy told the Awesome story and our newest grantee, Elinor Slomba, described the upcoming Chalkville project.  We’ll have a link to Better Connecticut up shortly.

If you’ve just heard about the Awesome Foundation and want to learn more, watch the video (above) and check out the national site for AF.

Note that we do not take donations!  AwesomeCT is entirely funded by its trustees, a small group of people who have pooled their resources to fund projects by Awesome people in the state.

What would you do with $1000?  Tell us by applying for next month’s $1000 no-strings-attached grant.

Update: Here’s the link to our segment on Better Connecticut from earlier today!

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In March, we funded a robotics program run by Jim Forde for elementary school kids in Stamford. Our grant will be used to purchase three Lego robotics kits. The program launches this fall and we hope to see these robots dancing soon.

Jodiann Strmiska is passionate about improving Bridgeport and active in the local arts community. If you find yourself on Main Street this month, you’ll find Jodiann – our February grantee – painting a building mural in an area that can use some outside art!  This photo is of a mural she painted nearby in September.

Neo-natal intensive care unit at Danbury Hospital

Our January grant (first!) funds a collaboration between the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra and Danbury Hospital’s new neo-natal intensive care unit. Today, members of the orchestra gathered at Enchanted Garden in Ridgefield Connecticut to record a CD of lullabies from around the world. The orchestrations were written for this project, and artists who have volunteered their time include Monica Yunus – a Metropolitan Opera singer, Mara Bonde – a broadway soloist, and other notable local singers.

At an event this spring, the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra will present the Lullaby CD to Danbury Hospital, and one will be given to every baby who is cared for in the neo-natal intensive care unit. The project received limited funding from RSO and Danbury Hospital in addition to our Awesome grant.

A few of us visited the orchestra this morning while they were recording and have to say the music was absolutely beautiful.

Orchestra in Session

Awesome Connecticut is up and running and ready to review awesome ideas originating in Connecticut. Our trustees are excited about joining the Awesome Foundation family. Apply for a grant for your project or tell someone who is already doing something amazing in their community about this grant opportunity.

Awesome CT Press Release 12/3/2011