The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
CAFTA urges donations for challenge grant
TORRINGTON — When the pandemic closed schools across Connecticut in March, it also closed down places such as the Connecticut Academy for the Arts.
The Torrington-based, nonprofit academy supports itself with donations, grants and fundraisers — but because they were closed, directors Teresa Graham Sullivan and John Sullivan were unable to hold any of their events, and their classes for Torrington students ground to a halt.
As they anticipate reopening in the fall, the couple hopes to raise enough money through donations to receive a matching grant — meaning every dollar donated is doubled — by July 31. To date, the academy has raised nearly $7,000, and needs $3,750 more by July 31.
“Our classes have been closed since March 12,” Graham-Sullivan said. “Every dollar people give will be matched by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation ... no amount is too small.”
The grant comes from the foundation’s Northwest
Corner Gives COVID-19 response fund, she said, which is available to non-profits.
The money will support CAFTA’s art and film classes, which are provided through the Torrington Public School system to local students in middle and high school.
Graham-Sullivan recently made an animated video on the Northwest Corner Gives website to illustrate the impact her programs have on area children. “Imagine a child in their classroom studying the things they love for their future goals… Now imagine that overnight they can’t go to school, can’t see their friends,” according to the video. “It isn’t safe. A whole new uncertain future was thrust upon them, and no one was prepared.”
“Over the past 10 years, CAFTA has seen great results in the classroom by holding their students to a higher standard while delivering personal, projectbased learning experiences,” she said. “CAFTA recognizes that creativity and handson learning boost educational development and excellence across the board in all subjects for all ages.”
Since how schools will open in September is still unclear, the Sullivans plan to use the money to create an interactive website with activities for their students.
“We’re going to use animated characters and lesson plans,” Graham-Sullivan said. “The kids really want to have interactive lessons. What this means is that we’ll have our art school going, whether they can come back to CAFTA in person or not.”
They also want to be sure the academy on Prospect Street will be open, when and if their students return.
“Kids can study online now, but it’s a strange new world for everyone,” Graham-Sullivan said. “It’s very strange. We want to make sure our kids are safe, but we don’t want them to stop learning. It’s a big deal ... we have to be so careful.”
To make a donation, go to Northwest Corner Gives website at https://northwestcornergives.org/campaigns/ cafta/. Those who contribute will receive a limited edition print of art by a local student.