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It is not easy for young people with insight, sensitivity, talent,
originality, motivation and sincerity of purpose to follow their inspired
paths in this world which tends to coerce and reward conformity.
Sustaining enthusiasm and finding one's way to develop one's creative gifts
often requires help of a rare kind. The allure of drugs, with their false
promise of solace or enlightenment, poses a special danger for these kids
who are seldom impressed by conventional prevention programs.
Young people who hear a different drummer deserve help to safely,
responsibly and successfully amplify that unique rhythm while avoiding the
dangers and blind alleys of reckless drug use. They need to know there are
adults who really care, truly understand, value their gifts and
perspectives, and wish to support them even as they challenge us to
reevaluate established values.
The Ozzy Klate Memorial Fund has been established to help meet this
very specialized need. Its purpose is to support young people in their
developmental journeys as artists and seekers of wisdom while providing
them with meaningful and respectful help in avoiding the hazards of drugs.
Contributing to the fund is a wonderful way to help us develop
on-going meaning from Ozzy's unique life and tragic death by directly
helping those who are unlikely to get such help elsewhere. Your donations
will be promoting positive creative exploration for our youth as well as
enlightened drug education, thus helping them manage the challenges of
artistic and spiritual adventure. You will help them to say "Yes!" to
creativity, spirituality and social activism as well as "No!" to substance
abuse.
Working with individuals, schools and families the fund will provide:
- Innovative substance abuse education and counseling
which avoids the moralistic labeling of interest in drugs as
merely bad, crazy or stupid, and respects the authentic
yearnings for solace and spiritual liberation which often
underlie and motivate drug use and tries to help
these natural needs, often acutely felt by young adults, be met in
healthy ways
- Scholarships for programs, courses and spiritual retreats
- Mentorships with artists and writers
- Equipment, supplies and studio space
- Publishing, display and performance help
- Grants for special projects
SPECIAL PROJECT: The fund provides tuition assistance for highly motivated
young men and women who wish to attend the Young Adults Meditation Retreatat The Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts. The course is held annually for five days in June and is open to those fourteen to twenty-one years of age with a sincere interest in learning Buddhist meditation. Among our other beneficiaries are the Rosenberg Fund for Children, Amnesty International, the Men's Resource Center, Hampshire-Franklin Children's Daycare, Marathon House, the Bruderhof Community Children's Crusade 2000, Plenty International and Buddhist Peace Fellowship.
About The Fund
This fund is a tax-exempt charity under the aegis of Community
Foundation of Western Massachusetts. All contributions are tax deductible
to the full extent permitted by law. Management expenses are kept as close
to zero dollars as possible.
Allocation decisions are made under the direction of Jonathan Klate and
Carlotta Willis in consultation with spiritual teachers, psychologists,
counselors, artists, writers, and educators .
Contributions from Ozzy's family, friends, and local community members
have established the fund, and will build and sustain it.
Proceeds from publication of his writing will accrue to the fund, as will
proceeds of sales of Ring of Truth© images.
Donations in any amount are welcome. Checks should be payable to "The
Ozzy Klate Memorial Fund" and sent to:
Realisy : 48 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01002
Donations are fully tax deductible. Please include your name and address
so that we may send you a personal acknowledgement and a receipt for tax
purposes.
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