Hello friends-

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page!

I am so excited to be returning to India this summer through ASTEP to teach at Shanti Bhavan!  I cannot wait to see the students again and see all of their progress.  I will be joining my sister Allegra who is currently working as the Volunteer Coordinator at the school for one year. 

Shanti Bhavan is a home and an exceptional school for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children of India's lowest caste, the so-called "untouchables" or dalits.  Practically no children from these communities receive proper schooling to enable them to pursue higher education on merit.  Shanti Bhavan, a non-sectarian institution, offers both a loving home and “world-class” education for all its children.

I will be at the school for 6 weeks teaching cello, music, choir, academic subjects and anything else that is needed.  Allegra and I will also give a piano/cello recital.  I am excited to report that a cellist friend in New York is donating her 3/4 size cello to the school- I am so happy the younger children will have a cello that will fit them!  I recently received a letter from one of my 11th grade students who tells me she and the other cello students have continued to practice everyday on the cello I brought last year.  They do not have a teacher but practice what they learned last summer.  These students truly inspire me and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to work with them again.

I am looking to raise $1,500 to help offset some of the cost of this experience.  Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.   Each dollar you can spare is a way to directly offer these children music, art, and education through me- and I promise to give them my very best.   

Please take a look at the www.asteponline.org for more information about this project. 
 
Thank you so much for your generosity and support- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

In gratitude,

Summer