When Denise Schamens approached me more than six years ago with an idea to create a film to teach elementary school students about autism in order to promote friendships, I was thrilled! The release of “How Can I Be a Good Friend to Someone with Autism?” in 2007 was momentous for Good Friend, Inc., the charity we established, dedicated to autism awareness, acceptance, and empathy.
One more film and two national awards later, we're proud to announce our newest independent film: “We ALL Fit”! We decided to crowd-source fundraising for the collaborative project through Kickstarter, a web-based company that helps visionaries launch creative ideas. until . Time is of the essence: If our project, “Autism Peer Sensitivity Film ‘We ALL Fit’” doesn’t attract $10,000 in pledges by July 17, Good Friend receives no funds.
A big part of the film's budget is for the musical collaboration with award-winning hip hop group and fellow nonprofit The Figureheads, who will develop an original musical score, plus a theme song complete with video. Studies show that when kids can put a message to music, they are more likely to remember and practice it. We hope to send students home from our school-based services with the songs stuck in their heads, sharing them with their families and friends!
Good Friend will use the film during its elementary school programs for staff and students, and will also sell the film on DVD and digital download, projecting its release in 2014.
With at least one in 88 people having ASD [autism spectrum disorder], everyone knows someone impacted by autism. Help us make a difference in their lives by supporting this meaningful, helpful art! For more information, contact me by phone at 414-510-0385, or email chelsea@goodfriendinc.com.
