December 1, 2009
A letter from the Editor:
As we draw to a close with the year of 2009, we have spent much time in reflection of the changes we have each undergone over the past year, and also come to reflect on the fact that nearly two and half years ago, our lives would take a sharp turn in another direction.
For the Daniel McCree Foundation, 2009 was a year of considerable progress, having unveiled two new art galleries of original works, our work with The Hope and Help Center, has been able to offer useful information a resources regarding Health & HIV, as well as referrall services for utility, rent & other assistance available throughout our region.
By summer of 2009, we reached perhaps the pinnacle of the year, with our sponsorship and hosting of Belleville's 2nd Pride Event (Metro East Pride), and made further steps towards leadership in 2010. I am proud to serve as the Vice President of Metro East Pride for the 2010 term, which will expire in June of 2010.
On September 11, 2009, the Daniel McCree Foundation was registered as an Illinois Charitable Trust, with the further goal of becoming a fully tax-exempt 501c(3) Non- Profit in 2010. In this regard we have secured three Executive Board Members, including Daniel's Mother
Kayla Kistner, of Rosewood Heights, IL and long time supporter James Ferguson of St. louis. Members at large include Ms. Tess Farnham, of St. Louis, who will also serve as an officer in 2010.
The primary focus of our Board of Directors, will be to ensure the renewal of the domain annually, the Preservation of our Art Collection, and authorization of any and all reproductions on behalf of the foundation. The Board will also direct activities, fundraising events, and direction in which those funds should be utilized. Several concepts have come to light, including an Art Scholarship for a student in Sparta, IL.
On December 1st, 2009 The Daniel McCree Foundation, in conjunction with Metro East Pride, made a presentation to Bethany Place of Belleville, and donated a rare peice of Daniel's Artwork which was replicated for permanant display on the walls of the Bethany Place Facility. This was an honor to present to Angela Barnes, Executive Director, as well as to have many Family & friends in attendance; including Daniels Mother, Kayla, and Daniel's younger brother Stephen Farris. It was both an honor and privledge to meet Stephen for the first time, and look forward to future events where we may again connect.
We do still have a few peices of Artwork to bring out before the end of the year, so keep an eye out for it, We will add it to the JUPITER DROPS Gallery, and will also publish the Site Reports
reflecting the traffic data throughout 2009.
Sincerely,
Colby Kluthe, editor- Daniel McCree Foundation
2010 Board of Directors
Colby Kluthe, President / Editor-in-Chief
Kayla Kistner, VP Community Relations & Art Preservation
James Ferguson, Director of Records / Secretary
Tess Farnham, Board Member at Large/ Director of Creative Outreach
**JOIN OUR LEADERSHIP FORUM ~ contact us at editor@danielmccree.org
Anyone interested shall be considered.
