You’re all art! - Charity boosted by US philanthropists

Published: 3 December, 2010

ONE of Westminster’s most influential arts charities is preparing to launch a major fundraising drive backed by American philanthropists.

The Reed Foundation, which is based in New York, has pledged to match donations to Westminster Arts, which works with older people who are vulnerable or suffer from dementia.

The initiative is part of The Big Give, a national project billed as “the intelligent way for proactive philanthropists to find and support charities”.

The charity, which was founded in 1965 with the help of renowned violinist Yehudi Menuhin, receives funding from Westminster Council and the NHS. It is seeking donations from the public to help it continue its work and has set a target of raising at least £3,000 from December 6 to 10.

Director Beth Cinamon said: “At a time when people are suffering and they are worrying about their jobs and their future, what is striking is how people come together for the arts. They value that human connection and feel.”

• To make a donation, visit www.thebiggive.org.uk/donate/wapledge between December 6 and 10.

• For more information about Westminster Arts, go to www.westminsterarts.org.uk