2015 Gala Program - Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. | Page 2

A Message from Founder/CEO
Madona Cole-Lacy
I would like to express a warm welcome to all our guests on this Your
Time For Creative Empowerment’s third fundraising gala and second
scholarship and fundraising gala. I thank you for choosing to be with
us tonight, and I pray that you walk out of here feeling creatively
charged and inspired to carve a niche in your heart for a young
person in your life, your neighborhood or this organization.
What is so exciting about this evening is that we are in good company
- the company of individuals who have all given of themselves to help make a difference in the
lives of Long Island’s youth and families. As we celebrate and recognize this select group of
Supportive Spirits, our aim is to shine the spotlight on those who have not ceased from pitching in since the establishment of this non-profit organization. It speaks volumes about them,
and Your Time For Creative Empowerment is delighted to honor them tonight.
As the volunteer and Donor-in-chief of this organization, I have a lot more than a rough idea of
what it means to make the time, come up with resources to serve others, and attempt to take
care of family and self. It is this understanding that makes our honorees so special. For they
bring to the table, along with their willingness to answer the call to serve our youth and families; their sweet spirits of compassion, understanding, dedication to the cause, and kindness!
My prayer is that they continue to experience continued self-actualization with every move that
they make to give of themselves to others who can certainly benefit from it.
The following “Madonarism” summarizes one of the many eureka moments that came to me in
the planning process of this gala. It is my hope that it will serve as an inspiration to others as it
does for me. “In a world where there appears to be no room for time or adequate resources to stretch ourselves beyond our comfort zone, all we need to do is connect and
identify with that common thread of support and appreciation that runs through the fabric of all mankind, and we will quickly see how our innately resourceful and compassionate qualities create a win/win outcome for all concerned.” ~A Gala2015 Madonarism
by Madona Cole-Lacy~
We are equally excited to present and announce the winners of our 2014/15 Creative Empowerment Arts Contest this evening. As we applaud our participants for taking the initiative to participate in a contest that gives them the opportunity to express in their own creative way, their
feelings about being a part of this the 21st Century culture, we thank our parents, school personnel and others in their lives, who have encouraged them to participate in the contest, and
other activities what Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. offers throughout the year.
The multi-ethnic culinary delights have been provided by individuals and establishments who
chose to help us illustrate our philosophy of service to youth and families of all race, creed and
socio-economic status from secular and faith-based communities in the Long Island area. This
is a message I would like to underscore and dispel the perceived notion that now exists.
We’ve only just begun!
Have an enjoyable and creative experience this evening!
Madona Cole-Lacy

www.yourtime4liny.org

[phone]

www.creativeempowermentarts.org