Giving Tuesday's Impact

Dear Friends of the Foundation...

Executive Director Lisa Baehre recently shared with you a little history about the Sandler Center Foundation in the latest blog, “Pulling Back the Curtain.” Here’s an excerpt in case you missed it (being understandably distracted by Lisa’s adorable cat, Milo): 

“Annie, Art, and Steve Sandler gave the naming gift for the world-class performance venue which was to be built in Town Center, Virginia Beach. The gift was given in memory of Steve and Art’s parents – Reba and Sam Sandler, to honor their generous and kind-hearted legacy of helping others in the community – a fact which has been mostly lost to history. 

Annie, Art, and Steve didn’t stop there with their own family philanthropy, though! They reached out to many of their family and friends who then did the same… and so on, and so forth. Their collective efforts formed what we know of today as the Sandler Center Foundation.” 

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We are asking for your help in continuing the legacy that began in our community so many years ago. 

As we approach Giving Tuesday, we are probably all expecting the barrage of emails and holiday commercials asking for contributions toward philanthropic goals for worthy organizations and nonprofits. Their good work should be acknowledged, even celebrated. Keep the Sandler Center Foundation in mind as you consider missions that spark the feeling of truly making an impact. 

Pitch in and add to the legacy of supporting our Coastal Virginia community through the arts the way Art, Annie, Steve did. Maybe not with a world-class performing arts building, but by being a part of our efforts to foster entertainment and education. 

Our programs themselves are intentionally designed to create long-term waves that better the community beyond our current work. 

Last year, we received a donation toward the dance attire worn by students in our Leveling the Performing Field (LPF) after-school program. A student from the program was then accepted into Old Donation School, which fosters gifted education. Not to mention we passed out dance bags, also generously provided by a donor, to every child participating in LPF just before this Thanksgiving! (Take a look at ArLynn's, our Program Coordinator’s, car stuffed to the brim for deliveries.)

Sandler Virtual Academy, our digital hub of arts-oriented educational videos, reached over 1,800 students and teachers during October (Bullying Prevention Month) alone—a record number for us in a single month! 

If that weren’t enough, 100% of administrative costs are covered by the Foundation. This means that 100% of your donation goes directly to the programs and people we serve. 

On top of that, donations over $1,000 to our programs may be eligible for a VA Department of Education NAP Tax Credit, which means you will get a credit from the Commonwealth at 65% of your donation. You can read more about this on our donation page. 

It is our job to take care of our family—it's not just about us. With your help, we also support our resident companies: 

• Ballet Virginia Instructors teach LPF classes, and students get to see them in performances every year (stay tuned for our trip to The Nutcracker). 
• Symphonicity provides a wonderful atmosphere at receptions and other SCF-partnered events. 
• The Richmond Ballet takes the helm of the Sandler on the Road program with in-school touring performances throughout Virginia Beach.
• The Virginia Arts Festival brings in new, local artists to the Sandler Center Galleries with our support. 

Just to name a few! 

Don’t wait. Donate to SCF this Giving Tuesday and become part of our family of community arts supporters. 

We’re not just here today; we’re making an impact for tomorrow.