Appel Farm Camp Visit 2011

Saturday, August 13th, was an incredibly fun day at Appel Farm Arts & Music camp! Ten GOTO volunteers attended the annual trip to camp to visit scholars enrolled in the second session. The scholars ranged from first timers to those attending their third and last Summer session. Once the volunteers settled in at camp, we were joined by the camp directors, camp founder Albert Appel and scholars in Appel Farm's art gallery. We went around the room to introduce ourselves and allowed the scholars to share with us their experience at camp so far. We learned about the classes they were taking, performances thus far and what they were planning for the upcoming performance week which happens during the last week at camp. There was a lot of excitement in the room as the students described what they have been able to create and learn over the Summer.

The volunteers were fortunate enough to see firsthand what our scholars are studying at Appel Farm. We were divided up among the students and able to attend their minor 1 and minor 2 classes. Some of the classes included street dance, sculpture (which included glass and welding), beginning guitar, costume and set design, vocal performance, super heros (students create and act out the super hero character they developed), theater, fashion accessories design and rock band.

It's always a joy to be in that creative and supportive environment with our scholars. Though GOTO volunteers only spend a couple of hours there, the annual trip always leaves an impact of purpose. What an amazing opportunity we as a group are able to provide. Now the school year begins with the chance for teachers to nominate 6th graders - some of whom will become the next class of GOTO scholars. Volunteers are already looking forward to next year's trip!

GOTO Alumni Volunteer Profile: Malinda Logan

5 QUESTIONS FOR GOTO VOLUNTEER ALUM, MALINDA LOGAN

1) How did you first hear about GOTO?

I heard about GOTO from a fantastic ray of sunshine! Christine Pecorella and I were at a party one day where I was discussing how I had a passion for fundraising and wanted to volunteer my time. She mentioned GOTO and invited me to a bi-annual meeting. What intrigued me was the concept of having a young professionals volunteer organization. I had never known of that style non-profit. After attending the meeting, I was hooked. The presentations, ideas, discussions were so organized, exciting, and lively! The experience was gratifying and I knew this was a solid organization I wanted to be associated with.

2) What were your roles while you were a GOTO volunteer?

I served on the Development Committee. I wrote thank you letters, brainstormed ideas about recognition events, and other related duties. And, when there was a call to action, I was there volunteering my time. Whether it be stamping envelopes or attending meetings on how to make GOTO more visible, I helped in any way that I could. I'd recruit people to join, invite people to the mixers, galas, and parties. Having these duties gave me a sense of pride in the organization. I felt like I was helping build GOTO to a visible, stronger, more successful organization.

3) What have you been up to since joining GOTO's alumni?

Well, a lot I must say. It's been about 2 years or so. I went to school to get my masters in Fundraising Management from Columbia University. GOTO was instrumental in my academic projects. Thank you GOTO!!! After graduation, I decided to make a career change to a position in Development/Fundraising. So now, while making the switch I have joined another grassroots team, as the co-chair of the Events and PR committee for Stop Child Trafficking NOW (http://www.sctnow.org/). GOTO sparked a passion in me that I've been able to transfer to other grassroots charities. The mission, the volunteers, and the dedication were all factors that encouraged me to keep up my volunteer efforts and help recreate them in other causes. Thank you GOTO!!!

4) What was your favorite GOTO moment?

Well, it may be a little sappy. But, oh well! I was with my friend at the annual gala. I believe it was Casino Night. There was good music, good fun, good people all around. The band stopped playing and a young girl got on stage. She started speaking about GOTO and what it meant for her. Right then, I knew that it was all worth it. The proof was in the pudding, so to speak. She spoke so eloquently and passionately about her experience. I teared up because she touched my heart. She allowed me to realize that GOTO's mission isn't touch and go. It isn't a onetime offer. GOTO provides an experience that will last a lifetime. And all the while, I thought what we were doing was changing their lives for the better. When, in fact, they were changing mine.

5) Where do you see GOTO twenty years from now?

I see GOTO as a model organization for young philanthropists. GOTO will be used as a non-profit that other grassroots, volunteer run charities model themselves after. Others will want their organizations to have the same tight-knit networking groups, dedicated board, successful programs, and committed volunteers as GOTO. They will emulate GOTO's start up efforts because GOTO has proven success! GOTO will have expanded to several more cities, received numerous grants and awards, and have a waiting list of volunteers!

BONUS QUESTION: If GOTO sent you to Arts & Music Summer Camp, what would be your major?

That's pretty easy for me. Acting/Drama. I studied that in undergrad, so I'd say I still have a passion for the craft! :-)

GOTO Alumni Volunteer Profile: Dave Bordeau

5 QUESTIONS FOR GOTO VOLUNTEER ALUM, DAVE BORDEAU

1) How did you first hear about GOTO?

I heard about GOTO from one of the GOTO Godfathers, Jay Liddell, shortly after I moved to NYC in 2000. We were friends from college and I was looking for something to donate my time and money to in the city. When I first heard about the idea, I thought it was simple…and genius…simply genius! There are so many young professionals in New York who want to have fun, meet other people, and do something good for the world. GOTO does all 3 in a very easy and fresh way.

2) What were your roles while you were a GOTO volunteer?

I’ve served in a bunch of different roles over the span of almost 10 years! I started as GOTO NY’s first development director, which I did until 2004. I took a brief hiatus when I moved up to Boston in 2004, then rejoined GOTO in late 2005 as GOTO Boston’s development director. I later served as GOTO Boston’s president and GOTO Boston’s Volunteers director. Most recently, I was a board member.

3) What have you been up to since joining GOTO’s alumni?

I haven’t been away that long yet, but, I definitely plan to continue to support GOTO!

4) What was your favorite GOTO moment?

Definitely the summer trips to visit the camps. I’ve been to both Appel Farm in NJ and Medolark in Maine and both are fantastic. It’s really fun to see GOTO’s efforts directly put into action in helping young folks have a great summer…where they learn and make new friends. I especially loved how it seemed like GOTO’s scholars were the kings & queens of the camp!

5) Where do you see GOTO twenty years from now?

I see GOTO serving 5 different cities (maybe SF, Chicago and Dallas are next????) and 250 scholars each summer, all supported by a million dollar + annual budget and 100+ active volunteers.

BONUS QUESTION: If GOTO sent you to Arts & Music Summer Camp, what would be your major?

Drums. I tried in high school and was never very good. I want to give it another go!

GOTO Alumni Volunteer Profile: Nancy Kim

5 QUESTIONS FOR GOTO VOLUNTEER ALUM, NANCY KIM

1) How did you first hear about GOTO?

A friend invited me to attend a GOTO summer event – it was aboard the Peking at the South Street Seaport. Not only was it an amazing event and it allowed me to meet new friends, I was pleased to learn more about a wonderful charity – GOTO – from its volunteers at that time. Music and art have always played important roles during my childhood. I wanted to become GOTO volunteer after my first GOTO event!

2) What were your roles while you were a GOTO volunteer?

I volunteered for both the Events and Mentoring Committees and eventually chaired the Mentoring Committee. I assisted in scouting vendors, donors and venues for the events. I also recruited GOTO volunteers to be mentors and paired them with GOTO scholars and organized bonding and mentoring activities for the group. I enjoyed these experiences immensely and I felt a stronger connection to GOTO’s overall purpose and the scholars.

3) What have you been up to since joining GOTO’s alumni?

I’ve attended GOTO events when I can and have worked with companies and other contacts on providing sponsorships and donations for GOTO. And I spread the good GOTO word to young professionals living in New York and the Boston area, encouraging people to attend the events and to volunteer their time.

4) What was your favorite GOTO moment?

Hard to pick…but I would have to say the road trip to Appel Farms! There’s something magical about having the opportunity to visit the scholarship recipients at camp and seeing their talents first hand: AJ Giron’s dramatic soliloquy; Omar Garcia’s intricate metal sculpture; Elizabeth Cooney’s vocal solo; and Ray Bargallo’s designs. Bravo!

5) Where do you see GOTO twenty years from now?

I see GOTO growing to several additional cities including Chicago (my hometown!) and I envision an ever expanding network of GOTO volunteers and scholars continuing GOTO’s mission to provide scholarships to talented youth.

BONUS QUESTION: If GOTO sent you to Arts & Music Summer Camp, what would be your major?

Photography! I love capturing that special moment and enjoy looking at the pictures afterwards.

Letter from GOTO alumnus, Clementina Nyarko

GOTO Winter Galas and Halloween Spooktaculars come and go; and we have our personal reasons to attend or volunteer or devote time out of our extremely busy schedules. But when the time comes when we meet the scholars and their families, and most especially hear personal testimonials from the young scholars themselves – we all come to realize the value of our action and how decisions can influence, and dramatically change many lives.

Clementina Nyarko, a former 3 year scholar, recently wrote a personal letter to share her sincerest gratitude to GOTO NYC for selecting her as a scholar. It’s because of scholars like Clementina that GOTO continues to do what we do best.

Dear GOTO Volunteers,

The other day I realized that for the past 3 years, around this time I would be filling out applications for summer camp. When I had that thought I also realized that if it wasn't for all of you, I would not have had such great opportunities and blessings. It really is amazing what you all do: you give kids like me who don't come from a rich background an opportunity of a life time. You send us to such amazing camps such as Appel Farm and give us a chance to be free from all expectations placed on us at home. While I was at Appel Farm I got the chance to be a kid, make new friends, and even try new things (such as Fashion Design and Photography). I really cannot express enough how grateful and thankful I am for what you have done and given me--especially considering the economic status our country was in awhile ago. This program gave me the chance to grow as a person and even help others to come out of their shell and try new things. This letter does not even come close to the gratitude I owe you. From the bottom of my family, friends and my own heart I really want to say thank you and if there's anything I can do so that another child can have an experience like mine, please let me know. I also hope and pray that all the time and money you spent shall be tripled so that you all can continue to do this for many kids.

Thank you so much!

Sincerely,

Clementina Nyarko

Update from GOTO alumnus, Kristina Williams

I attended Appel Farm from 2004-2006, since then I finished highschool at Fiorello H. Laguardia H.S. last year, and I am now studying acting and working professionally. In the past year I have been on NBC's 30 Rock, I did a commercial for MTV and Britney Spears for her Radiance fragrance (below). I've also participated in various Off-Broadway productions in Manhattan's Theater District. THANK YOU GOTO for giving me the opportunity seven years ago. Going to Appel Farm has not only allowed me to meet life long friends, but it also helped me discover who I was as a performing artist!

Britney Spears "Radiance" New Year's Eve Spots from Diana Levine on Vimeo.

Directed by E.J. Mcleavey-Fisher / Produced by MTV

GOTO Semi-Annual Summit

GOTO New York kicked off 2011 with our Semi-Annual Summit, which brought together a wide gamut of the GOTO family. Founders, current committee chairs, seasoned and new volunteers, a GOTO alum and a couple current campers and parents joined us in discussing recent successes and our goals for the future.

We learned about how Gigi Koch and CK Khandekar, our two new Events Chairs, and the Events team put together a great sold out Halloween event and kept it $5K under budget, allowing even more proceeds to be allocated to scholarships. Evan Raggi and Heather Calvano, two other first year Chairs, informed us that over $35K was earned during the 2010 Annual Appeal. A great job by these Committees, as well as James and Catherine Holahan and the Marketing Committee, to help us raise scholarship funds!

Michelle Hunter showed us that our current campers had a great time this past summer, and many volunteers got to see the fun in action during a visit to Appel Farms. We also found out that over the past year the Scholarship committee was able to improve the application process by creating online forms for teachers and parents, as well as create introduction letters in Spanish and Chinese so all parents are able to learn and understand our mission. Kevin Costello recapped a fun DJ Scratch Academy Mentoring event where we had private DJ lessons for GOTO mentees and mentors. We look forward to gaining a new class of campers in 2011 and keeping our alumni involved in the GOTO family.

The day undoubtedly reached its high point when the Mother of Kayla, one of our current campers, stood up and gave us her very heartfelt gratitude for giving Kayla the chance to attend camp and be part of the GOTO family. She told us about how the experience has allowed Kayla to gain confidence in herself and greatly improve her grades. Both our current campers in attendance, Kayla and Crystal, and Alanna, our alum in attendance, then also shared how GOTO has been so special to them. Seeing and hearing that all of our work has touched the lives of these kids and their families surely let everybody in the room know that all we’ve done has had great results, and energized us for a great 2011.

New in 2011 we can look forward to more volunteer interaction with regular GOTOgethers, a new Google workspace for volunteers to help them stay informed, and of course many great Events! We are looking forward to everybody to being involved.