ArtSpireVa Raises $24,000+ to Get Kids Back to the Arts

Alexandria, VA – For some kids, back-to-school means shopping for new sneakers and notebooks, and signing up for fun extracurricular activities. For others, though, it means not being able to take the dance lessons, art classes, or music instruction they’d love to try.

ArtSpireVa wants to change that. The Alexandria nonprofit’s Back to School, Back to the Arts fundraiser is putting the arts within reach for children whose families might otherwise have to say no. And this year, the response has been bigger than expected with $24,000 raised, meaning more than 60 children are expected to benefit directly.

The idea grew out of last year’s 10th anniversary celebration. ArtSpireVa created a wall featuring watercolor paintings by children who had attended its art camp. In front of the artwork were silhouettes representing actual scholarship requests, such as dance classes, along with the cost of participation. Guests simply pulled a request off the wall and directly sponsored a child.

“We thought, ‘Let’s just do what we did for the 10th anniversary and make $5,000 or something,’” said Executive Director Gennifer Difilippo. “Well, we were so surprised to end up earning $15,000!”

The approach struck a chord. There was no bidding, no competing for auction items—just a chance to help a child do something they might not otherwise be able to afford. Difilippo decided to bring the concept back this year, with a back-to-school twist.

“When our kids were going to school, we would do the school supply shopping, and we would also sign them up for extracurricular activities,” she said. “Well, that’s not the reality for so many families.”

The requests are as varied as the students. This year, donors helped fund a New York City field trip for a middle school, including tickets to a show and a master class. Other requests included instrument rentals for elementary school students whose families wanted them to participate in music but couldn’t afford the rental. And those are just the requests ArtSpireVA knows about. “Now, imagine all those requests we’re not getting in,” said Difilippo.

ArtSpireVa identifies students through school counselors, social workers, teachers, and partner organizations. An art teacher may recognize a talented student who would thrive in an art camp. A PE teacher may spot a child who would take to dance or gymnastics. Dance studios and theater teachers also refer students whose families need assistance.

Finding the kids isn’t necessarily the hard part. “We can reach them, and we can find the need,” Difilippo said. “Our challenge is having enough money to fund it.”

ArtSpireVa’s scholarships go beyond simply paying tuition. “We want students to walk into a class feeling like they belong—not like they’re the kid who got a scholarship,” explained Difilippo. “We’re not just going to put them in this class and dump them. We’re going to make sure that they are successful the whole year through.” That can mean new dance shoes, art supplies, or a recital costume when a family can’t afford one.

The organization’s reach also extends beyond traditional arts scholarships. ArtSpireVa supports the Purple Tutu Dancers, providing Sunday classes for dancers with Down syndrome, and is preparing to launch Differently Abled art classes.

The long-term payoff can be significant. One former scholarship student received support for four years and is now dancing in college.

“He will tell you, ‘I would not have been able to have this opportunity without ArtSpireVa,’” Difilippo said. And there are still students waiting for that chance. Some scholarship requests remain unsponsored, and ArtSpireVa is continuing to accept donations that can be connected directly with students who need them. 

Would you like to make a big difference and bring the arts to a deserving child? To donate or to get more information, visit https://www.artspireva.com/.