A lot of wonderful fundraiser info pops into my inbox on a daily basis. It's great to be able to share the work of so many caring people in our community, each working in their own unique way to make this such a tremendous place to live.
Here's a new non-profit in Sonoma County that strikes an exceptional note:
Live Music Lantern(LML) is a Sonoma County nonprofit(501c3) that provides self care in the form of gifting tickets to hear live music to educators and social service providers as a way to strengthen the entire community.
Co-founders Elijah and Kaya Barntsen and music industry pro Ian Davis launched the non-profit in dedication to Elijah and Kaya's mother, former childcare worker Barbara Barntsen who suffers chronic Bipolar I Disorder and Schizophrenia.
During years and years of crisis after crisis trying to navigate a never ending maze that included their mothers' hospitalizations, arrests and homelessness, the siblings turned to key organizations such as National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)and Buckelew for the necessary support and mental health education they so desperately needed.
"As years went on, we continued to face the challenge of helping our mother get stable. We realized this was not a sprint but a marathon, and decided to focus more on taking care of ourselves with different forms of therapy, exercise, social gatherings, and enjoying live music amidst the chaos. It was these forms of self-care, along with setting boundaries that allowed us to get our lives back on track," the siblings share on their website.
"In January of 2014, we decided it was time to take action to support the health of our entire community and Live Music Lantern was born. We chose to support educators and social service providers because they were there to guide us throughout our childhood and in later life crises with our Mother. Because live music is the greatest source of inspiration and healing for us, we are dedicated to sharing it. We wish to “shine a light” on the wonderful teachers and social service providers in our community by providing them with the means for self care through live music."
Free concert tickets have since been given to over 200 educators and social workers since June of 2014.
Current recipients of Live Music Lantern ticket donations are hardworking and dedicated staff at Buckelew Programs, Catholic Charities, Petaluma People Services Center, Nami, Victor Treatment Centers and Social Advocates for Youth.
The group's goal is to grow to a level where it is able to provide all teachers/social workers in Sonoma County with the opportunity to see a live show at least once a year.
Nominate a teacher/social worker for a free pair of tickets through the group's site: http://www.livemusiclantern.org/nominate/.
Mark your calendar for a November 21st free concert with the Pulsators at The Redwood Cafe, Cotati. Donations most welcome at the event or online www.LiveMusicLantern.org.
"Shining A Light With Live Music"
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiveMusicLantern
twitter: https://twitter.com/LMLantern
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