H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E., INC.Helping to Enhance

Resourcesby Incorporating The Arts

to Gain Education

Our Mission

Our mission is to create and provide resources for individuals in disenfranchised communities who are interested in pursuing and enhancing their talents in the performing arts fields.

It All Started With One Man’s Dream

Donavon P. Soumas, Founder

• Empower young people to challenge themselves and grow

• Expose and educate the larger community to various forms of music and performing arts

• Increase social awareness• Strengthen family ties by

creating cost effective and high quality performances the entire family can share and enjoy

• Develop artistic awareness and abilities

Key Objectives

ABOUT H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E.H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E., Inc., a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, was created from the heart and

soul of its Artistic/Executive Director, Donavon P. Soumas.

In November 2003, in response to the growing need to offer resources and opportunities in the arts and arts education, H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E., Inc., was born. Since its inception, H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E.,

Inc., continues to bring a wealth of programs to communities that are historically underserved. 

ABOUT H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E.

*OUR PROGRAMS*

-H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E. SHOW CHOIR-

-H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E. UNITED-

H.E.R.I.TA.G.E. Show Choir • H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E. Show Choir, comprised of children ages 7-17, was created in

response to the need for young people to have a creative outlet and an opportunity to pursue their interest in the arts. While in the program, members learn invaluable life lessons and are provided with:

• first rate musical experiences (i.e., regular concerts and performances; weekly rehearsals and youth jam sessions, etc.) designed to enhance members’ musical knowledge and strengthen such other skills as self-discipline, collaborative learning and self-esteem 

• quality and positive alternative activities designed to enhance and encourage holistic development 

• monitoring of their educational progress and assistance with improving their academic outlook 

• life-long learning through the elements of the program that will help them in school and in all aspects of their lives 

• peer-to-peer mentorship between older and younger participants of the program 

• financial assistance to members who wish to pursue a college education in music. Through our collaboration with Westminster College of the Arts, a premier arts program, our members are able to attend summer programs as well as vie for scholarship opportunities

OUR PROGRAMS

H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E. United…

• By working in partnership with various funding entities, H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E. United provides opportunities for disadvantaged children to attend various music programs and camps throughout the area as well as connect children with performance and recording opportunities with various artists on professional projects.

 

OUR PROGRAMS

PROGRAMATIC GOALS PROGRAMATIC GOALS2008-2009 2009-2010

1. Outreach 2000

2. Provide artistic and leadership development for some 200 children

3. Increase arts and arts education awareness

4. Arrange, compose and copyright artistic materials

5. Increase access to premier performances

6. Increase funding and support

1.Outreach 30002.Provide artistic and

leadership development for some 500 children

3. Increase arts and arts education

4.Measure impact on members and community

5. Increase access to premier performances

6.Create H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E., Inc., Documentary

7. Increase funding and support

Key program accomplishments:

• H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E. Show Choir, three time winners of the nationally acclaimed McDonald’s Gospelfest competition

• Piano Master Class for members conducted by renown producer, director and composer Joseph Joubert (Musical Director of “The Color Purple” and “Billy Elliott” on Broadway)

• H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E. performance groups collaborates in major theatrical productions and recordings

• H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E. performance groups to perform at Carnegie Hall• H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E. Show Choir delivers performances in unique

multiple harmonies• H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E. performance groups showcased in various major

community events in tri-state area • H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E. mentees serve as church musicians to various

congregations throughout the community• H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E.’s theme song, “Yes We Can” (Soumas/Joubert) was

selected as a finalist for the Inauguration of President Barack Obama

“H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E. for the Holidays”

Our Premier Annual Production

An affordable premier family holiday production showcasing H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E. performing groups. Each year we identify and highlight a key social issue (e.g., literacy, homelessness, childhood cancer, Toy for Tots, children with Autism)

The 2010 theme is Teen Issues.

PAST SUPPORTERS AND DONORS

•State of New Jersey•Union County Arts and Heritage Commission•Ronald McDonald House Charities•City of Plainfield•Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.•Walmart•Wegmans

Develop a long term sustainable marketing strategy

Ramp up outreach and recruitment efforts

Identify an appropriate space to house H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E programs

Technology

Solidify and expand strategic partnerships

OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT

MEMBER SCHOLARSHIPS

CHOIR UNIFORMS

PROGRAM/PERFORMANCE SUPPORT

GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

“A Labor of Love”