By Megan Strawther, Advancement Associate
When I was asked to create the annual report for our last fiscal year, I was excited and a little nervous. Our organization does such an exceptional job year in and year out that I wanted to make sure this culminating report did P.S. ARTS justice! I am happy to say that after several months of working on this project with both our Advancement and Programs teams (as well as others who kindly contributed), the P.S. ARTS 2011-2012 Annual Report is officially complete.
One of the major components of the annual report is pulling together a timeline of significant events and projects that happened at our organization over the course of the year. It was a rewarding experience to relive all of the exciting things that happened at P.S. ARTS in the 2011-2012 school year. One such example was when P.S. ARTS partnered with the Creative Artists Agency Foundation for a “Day of Service and Remembrance” at Coeur d’Alene Elementary on the 10th anniversary of September 11th. I remember feeling lucky and proud that day to work for an organization that cares so much about the wellbeing of its community. It was nice to write about that event in the annual report because I remember how special of a day that was.
It has been such a thrill to see the strides we have made as an organization in my short time at P.S. ARTS. I was hired a little over two years ago as the Advancement & Operations Assistant soon after graduating college. I began work knowing very little about the structure of nonprofit organizations, but I did know I would enjoy being part of a team that was clearly so dedicated to its mission.
In that time, I have learned a great deal. Not only have I learned about the importance of arts education and why it’s crucial for all children to have access to it, but I have also learned about the importance of maintaining the sustainability and integrity of an organization, being professional, marketing in all sorts of creative ways, and caring passionately about the work you do. From our Teaching Artists to our staff, our Board members to our donors, and our volunteers to our avid supporters, I am so impressed by the knowledge people share and all of the capacities in which people contribute to help make P.S. ARTS a success. My hope is that everything I admire most about our organization and our team of do-gooders is reflected in this annual report.
Thank you to everyone who helped on this project and to everyone who continues to support our organization! Your commitment to our mission is truly appreciated. The 2012-2013 school year has been a great one, and I look forward to reliving all of the great moments when creating next year’s report!
