“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”
– Maya Angelou

Last June, a few AAS staff and I had the privilege of visiting a few of the Cedar Foundation homes in Kazanlak. It was a heartwarming and eye opening experience. The Cedar Foundation was founded in 2005 to provide children who had been living in state institutions a better quality of life. The Cedar Foundation now serves children and adults who are disadvantaged or have disabilities–many of whom have significant disabilities. In one house in Kazanlak, we met a woman who is bed bound and at the age of 25 appeared to be about 6 years old. She lit up with a smile when the Cedar Foundation team held her hand and talked with her. At another house, we met a high school boy who did not have any disabilities, but had sadly been removed from his family for his own well being. He talked to us about his experience in high school and his future plans–a future he would not have had if not for the Cedar Foundation.

Our visit to the Kazanlak Cedar Foundation homes was heartwarming because each house was a family due to the caring support of the Cedar Foundation. The experience was eye opening because of the incredibly high level of need of the residents.

AAS has long had a partnership with the Cedar Foundation. When we arrived at AAS in 2014, one of the first things Tricia and I did was attend the Cedar Foundation Charity Ball with other AAS staff and community members. It was great fun and certainly for a good cause. Currently, AAS IB students are doing fundraising for the Cedar Foundation, staff are working to establish partnerships with them, and a teacher serves on their board.

Why am I sharing this today? Like many non-profit organisations that rely on donations and social events to raise funds, the Cedar Foundation has been hit hard by the pandemic. In addition to the challenges of keeping the houses running during the pandemic, they have seen donations decline. Fortunately, they are planning for a return of the Cedar Foundation Charity Ball this October, 29. It will include dinner, entertainment, and dancing, and it is for a great cause.

How each person supports causes important to them is their own prerogative. However, if you are interested in knowing more about the Cedar Foundation and Cedar Foundation Charity Ball, the links are below, or don’t hesitate to contact me.

Cedar Foundation
Cedar Foundation Charity Ball

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”
– Winston Churchill