Whats significant about a gesture?
A LOT!
This last December Alcott received a check in the mail from someone that we did not know. It was a donation in memory of Eric Newcomer. It was just the first donation of this gesture yet to be received.
We want to Thank Everyone that contributed to this memorial fundraiser and the Family of Eric .
Now we didn’t know if Eric had been to Alcott in the past and we weren’t sure why his spouse had named The Alcott Arts Center to be the recipient of donations in his memory. So we reached out to his sister and his spouse to find out why they chose Alcott to be the beneficiary of their compassion.
It turns out that Eric was one that wanted to make sure that he supported those that didn’t get the attention they deserve.
Here is what his husband told us:
Sorry if there's confusion on how it was decided to help out Alcott. I've been so overwhelmed with Eric's death that I haven't had the time to reach out and explain things a little better. I guess I should explain that technically it was really my choice. Neither Eric or I have/had any connection to Alcott. As his husband, I wanted to chose an organization that I knew Eric would be proud to support. Eric felt very strongly that there's a segment of our population he felt has been left behind in our society with little to no opportunity available to them. He especially felt strongly (as do I) that the current administration is choosing to leave these folks behind in just about every way as they help the rich in our society become even more rich. As Eric was very creative in his musical and artistic talents, we often talked about kids today who don't have the opportunities that we grew up with. He always said when he got more time he would like to bring music to the children who don't have much opportunity for such just because of where they were born. One way he wanted to do that was to teach those children by giving music lessons. Unfortunately life always got in the way. Knowing that, I searched for local organizations that I knew Eric would be happy to support. When I read Alcott's website, it ticked every box that I knew needed to be ticked. I really didn't know if anyone would chose to give support, but it warms my heart to know that they have and that it came at a time of need (thank you Jennifer for helping out as well). There's no doubt in my mind that I chose the right organization and that Eric would be really happy that in his passing he helped out a little. I hope that helps clear up how Eric became connected to Alcott.
This is Eric Newcomer. Our new friend.
Rest in Peace
My twin brother Eric Michael Newcomer was in High School drama club, choir, Swing Choir, Harmonnaires, played in musicals and plays in HS, was an extra in movie with Patti Duke and Martin Sheen called A Matter of Justice, did commercials for Bank IV, Cool Crest and Jiffy Lube. Did photo ad in GQ for band uniforms. Worked in LA at Buena Vista Television in distribution at Walt Disney, worked at Creative Arts talent agency, and Internet Brands. In MO, he interned at a TV station and a radio station in Columbia then in KC worked in production at Ch. 41 and Valentine Radford Advertising. He played guitar, piano, keyboards, sang, and in HS he composed his own musical piece where he played piano and sang at a school concert. He once won a contest from Hit Parade magazine and got to talk to Bret Michael's from Poison on the phone. Jennifer Newcomer
Alcott is looking for music teachers to help us use these funds to teach music to Inner City Children. If you are interested in helping, contact us at alcott@alcottartscenter.org.