The Share and Seed Academy for the Performing Arts, founded on June 7, 2014 with a primary mission of teaching performing arts to children in the Duval County foster care system, has partnered with Delta Sigma Theta (DST) Sorority, Inc. Jacksonville Alumnae Chapter. Although less than two (2) years old, the Academy has grown from 13 children to 36 children who are thriving in skills attainment and self-confidence. In addition, the children have performed in a major musical at the Ritz theatre at the close of each summer session: The Share and Seed Lion King in 2014 and “The WIZ” in 2015. It was the children’s performance of “The WIZ” that attracted the attention and enthusiasm of members of the Arts and Letters Committee of Delta Sigma Theta’s Jacksonville Alumnae Chapter who sought out Academy leadership to explore whether their chapter could lend support.
The Share and Seed Academy also partners with Family Support Services of North Florida and the Black Rose Foundation for Children, Inc. Alice Bennett, Chair of the DST Arts and Letters Committee, stated, “We are extremely happy to be a Supporter/Partner with Share and Seed!” Indeed, Academy Co-Founder Emelda Kennerly is extremely pleased as well. “While we have received modest contributions from time to time, we have not yet received grant funding for the Academy which operates year round with a paid staff. Therefore, volunteer resources which our DST Jacksonville Alumnae Chapter partnership brings are invaluable”.
The official launch of the Share and Seed – DST partnership occurred at a fundraising Flea Market on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at the Academy. By all accounts, the flea market was extremely successful and marked the beginning of a partnership that will benefit both foster children and youth ambassadors who learn alongside them so that they do not feel isolated but feel the love and friendship of their peers. To learn more about the Share and Seed Academy, visit www.shareandseedgpc.org. Pictured is Alice Bennett, Chair, Arts and Letters Committee (far left) with DST Sorors and Co-Founder Emelda Kennerly (Center)
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