Page 53 - Arts Management Magazine Iss 1

AMM PHILANTHROPY SPOTLIGHT The Felix Organization Celebrates
Ten Years and Counting...

The Felix Organization was co-founded in 2006 by Emmy Award
Winning Casting Director Sheila Jaffee and Hip Hop Legend
Darryl DMC McDaniels. This unlikely duo are adoptees who
met while searching for their birth parents.

They bonded instantly and that same year launched not only the
charity but it’s signature program Camp Felix, a summer camp
specially designed for youth in the foster care system.

The charity doesn’t stop there. It also helps youth all year round
by providing them with life changing opportunities–from dance
scholarships to experiencing their first Broadway play or pro-
fessional ball game. Since its inception ten years ago, Felix has
touched the lives of more than 2,500 children.

“Sheila and I had a dream a decade ago. And now we are amazed and humbled how that
dream has turned into a reality. I want these kids to understand that there is no one more
special than them in this world.” Darryl DMC McDaniels.

Michael Reiss: What are your hopes for the next ten years?
Sheila Jaffe: We are just getting started. In the next ten years, Darryl and I envision a Camp
Felix in more cities throughout the country. It’s not just about camp, it’s about hope and positive
choices that change lives. ?

If you want to learn more about Felix go to: www.thefelixorganization.org

AMM NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT

“I just believe that companion animals really enrich our lives.
They require so little, and they give back so much. I believe that
we have almost a sacred responsibility to treat them humanely

and give them a chance at a good life.”

Founded in 2004 by Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Emmylou Harris, Bonaparte’s Retreat focuses on saving euthanasia
candidates from animal shelters and adopting them into loving homes.
Bonaparte’s is named for one of Emmylou’s dogs – for ten years, Bonaparte traveled on the road with Emmylou and was her
constant companion. When he died in 2002, Emmylou’s personal loss became the genesis of something remarkable – she
founded Bonaparte’s Retreat. Emmylou’s song “Big Black Dog,” chronicles her ex-
perience meeting and rescuing a senior black lab mix – who became Bella, “with a
little too much gray around the muzzle.” And although animal rescue work is her
second career, “There’s a little more urgency to it,” she says, “I feel like I’m – well I
am – dealing with life and death, so it’s a different kind of passion.”
Bonaparte’s focus is on rescuing the shelter dogs who are often overlooked or
deemed unadoptable – senior dogs, larger dogs, special needs dogs, or dogs in need
of imminent medical care or surgery. Bonaparte’s Retreat is a nonprofit that relies
on the generosity and compassion of donors, friends, and supporters. ?
Please visit the website at www.bonapartesretreat.org to learn more or to make a contribution.

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