End of Year Wrap Up

Last year at this time, we were discussing the newly released Kursid Kids written by Ronan Russel and Pat LaMarche, and illustrated by Aron Rook. The release of this book inspired the initiative to seek submissions for a children's anthology collection to be released in late summer 2024.

Charles Bruce Foundation witnessed the release of many new books. If You Could Feed an Elephant by author Ashley E. Kauffman and illustrator Bonnie Tweedy-Shaw. Wilbert Christmashead by writer Sam Rob and illustrator Holly Cameron. The annual Coloring and Caring Book dedicated to essential workers. Most notably, there was the release of the novel American Roulette, proceeds from which will be distributed to gun safety organizations through the Charles Bruce Foundation. There was also the successful Kickstarter campaign that will fund the new comic book Major Tom versus The Spiders from Mars written by Phil and Pat LaMarche and illustrated by Jason Seaux.

The year wasn't just about direct support of writers. Children received 150 books with backpacks distributed to ages 5-14 in the Greater Augusta, Maine Back to School Program. Pat LaMarche went to Letort Elementary in Carlisle, Pennsylvania to read Wilbert Christmashead to the children, then gifted every child their own book. The kids LOVED Holly Cameron's artwork!

As they say, reading is fundamental, and Charles Bruce Foundation continued to make reading and writing central to its mission in 2023. We've given away an additional 1000 children's books through school departments and holiday gift giving organizations.

Three of the artists paid to include their art in the books featured in the first article had the opportunity to share their work at the Carlisle Arts Learning Center in 2023. Aron Rook displayed original artwork from Kursid Kids, Holly Cameron shared artwork from Wilbert Christmashead, and Bonnie Tweedy Shaw, famed for her work on several Charles Bruce Foundation books (Pat LaMarche's Priscilla books and Ashley Kauffman's elephant books), had her own original art show.

Summer Fair on Dickinson College featured the massive 4 foot by 8 foot paint-by-number canvas created by WAM the Spaceman's creator, Chad Bruce and painted by none other than you (if you were fortunate enough to pick up a brush). The picture is now on permanent display inside Molly Pitcher Brewing on High Street for you to continue to enjoy.

As we review the accomplishments of 2023, we remind you that through your help, 2024, our 10th Anniversary year, will be so much better! Please use our "Support" button below to make your end of year donations.

Musicians also benefitted from Charles Bruce Foundation support. One of our favorite combos, Cumberland Honey, played both the Carlisle Arts Learning Center Empty Bowls in January and the Thoughts and Prayers Candle Light Vigil for Gun Violence in December with our sponsorship. We also provided funding for musicians Kevin Neidig, Vincent Yarnell, Colby Dove, and Soup Kitchen to perform at the Carlisle Summer Fair Community Picnic/Music Festival.

At the close of 2023, a moving art display graced the Pennsylvania Capitol steps. For the third year running, the nation's unhoused were remembered with an art installation of hand made quilts and blankets by the Homeless Remembrance Blanket Project. As in the past, all of the blankets created by you for this project were collected immediately after the event for distribution to the unhoused.