For over 30 years, Kardon Institute for Arts Therapy has helped individuals with special needs through comprehensive music, dance and art therapy.
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5 Years + One Month
Hey readers,
This is Liz Deeny, Development Associate, writing my first… and last blog post for KIAT. As many of you know, I have been at Kardon for just over five years but it is time for new challenges and new experiences in a new city. On Monday, October 18, 2010 I will begin a grant writer position at a nonprofit in New York City.
When I began my job at Kardon, my first assignment was to address the “save the date” cards for the Sunday Music Brunch fundraiser, honoring Juliet Goodfriend. I can still remember the design of the blue cards and the nervousness I felt, especially since our executive director Paul Macks was gone my first two weeks and I was unsure of how everything worked at the time. However, the event was a success and we even made the 6 p.m. news. From then on, the planning aspects of the fundraiser (now an evening event called the Annual Celebration) became almost similar to a wedding for me. I am extremely organized, so preparing for something from January through December was a gratifying experience, especially as my responsibilities grew with each passing year.
Along with the Annual Celebration, I was also responsible for smaller fundraisers, including the Plant Sale, Candle Sale, Avon Fundraiser, and of course, all the bingo events. Twice a year, I would search for the best prizes and raffle items to make each Bingo better than the last. I would rally the troops (my family and friends) for their support. Two years ago, we had 45 people in attendance – 30 I had personally invited. I loved seeing my parent’s serious Bingo blotting faces as they won prize after prize one year. To those who participated in any of the fundraisers, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I set a goal each fundraiser and several times, I was ecstatic to surpass the goal.
I have come a long way since September 2005 both professionally and personally. Two months after I started, I purchased my first new car, rented my first apartment with my then-boyfriend, and adopted a cat. Two years after that, I broke up with said-boyfriend and rented my first apartment by myself. Now I am in a completely different place. I am getting married to my high school crush next year (9/10/11) at the beautiful Glen Foerd Mansion right here in the NE, moving to North Jersey, starting a job in NYC, and still am lucky to have the support of my amazing friends and family (and now two cats!).
Professionally, my confidence, my writing/fundraising/networking/web skills, my professionalism, my multi-tasking, my thinking outside-the-box, my hard-working enthusiasm all grew these last five years. I have seen various clients walk in and out of my office, seen them smile and wave at me, perform at recitals and grow from their creative arts therapy sessions. I will never forget my time at Kardon, whether it was raising money or informing the community about our mission. The power of the arts is remarkable. Individuals with special needs will forever be special in my heart. So, as I go, please continue to follow the great work of Kardon as I start the next chapter in my life.
I will miss all my Kardon friends and family. Thank you for the wonderful memories!
To follow my “next in the city” journey, please visit my personal blog, www.elizjade.wordpress.com
XOXO, ElizJade.
Bingo
With Jen, Billing Coord.
With Amy, Music Therapist
With my Fiance, Jared
Wishing you the best of luck on your future endeavors Liz! It was great to know you in the past year as you have done so much for us here at Kardon. Enjoy North Jersey/ NYC!!
~Marissa
thanks so much Marissa!!!! if you ever want to meet up when your visiting your fam, let me know!
Liz,
Nice Blog post! Very well done and heart-felt. Mom and I had some great times attending the Kardon Bingo Fund Raiser and Winter Special Event Dinners. Keep up the good work.
Good luck to everyone at Kardon. It was very nice getting to know all of you.
Ed & Karen Deeny
Awh, very sweet! Thank you both! I will pass along your note.
We were very lucky to have five very productive years of your life and will miss you very much, both professionally and personally. Your enthusiasm and energy made our Resource Development committee meetings feel productive, although you were doing most of the heavy lifting. And the template that you and Paul have stamped out for the annual celebration will be invaluable as we move ahead without you. Enjoy your next amazing adventure!
Best Wishes, Liz – in all of your future endeavors! It was wonderful getting to know you and working with you on the Resource Development Committee at Kardon and preparig for the Annual “KardonParty”! You will be missed.
Awh, very sweet! Thank you both! I will pass along your note.
Best Wishes, Liz – in all of your future endeavors! It was wonderful getting to know you and working with you on the Resource Development Committee at Kardon and preparig for the Annual “KardonParty”! You will be missed.