April Arts Marathon Participant: Madeline Fan

Mission: I want to focus on ink drawing and cartooning something funny everyday…but failing that…anything can happen.

Message: Please consider sponsoring me to make and share art with you throughout April to help settle asylum seekers in Southern Vermont. I am challenging myself to make you laugh every day of April, as everyone needs a little sweet joy.

The April Arts Marathon is the Community Asylum Seekers Project’s key fundraiser. CASP hopes to raise $50,000 this year. In spite of our often confusing politics and policies, one thing we know for sure is that people who are experiencing violence and terror in their home countries will continue to seek asylum in this country. Sponsors like you are critical to CASP’s cultivation of a supportive community for asylum seekers in Southern Vermont. All proceeds will go towards fulfilling asylum seekers’ basic needs and accompanying them on their journey towards building a better life in this country.

This week, CASP staff are meeting with families to plan for the worst–if parents are detained, who will care for their children? We are guiding families through the process of setting up temporary guardianship, and the conversations are heartbreaking. We are developing creative ways to provide support for those who are fleeing violence and oppression in their home countries.

Through the April Arts Marathon, we can build a collective community of care and persistence, while making a huge impact in the lives of asylum seekers! During the month of April, artists will commit to practicing and sharing their work five days a week with sponsors who pledge donations to CASP–turning daily creativity into critical community support. Together, we support asylum seekers who, in turn, enrich our community with their determination, energy, and diverse experiences.