A BIG congratulations goes out to one of our founders and co-directors, Brian Ratcliffe, for being one of two recipients of the 2023 J. Douglas Earthy Community Service Award for outstanding volunteer service over a significant period of time to a child and/or youth-serving charitable organization within the City of London and Middlesex County.
In memory of the late Mr. Earthy, on January 8, 2023, the Kiwanis Club presented Brian with a special plaque commemorating the award and ARTS 4 ALL KIDS receives a grant in support of its work.
The Earthy Award was established in 1999 to honour Doug Earthy – a long-time member of the Kiwanis Club of North London. This award brings awareness of the important contribution of volunteers to the London community.
Brian, an accomplished musician, has volunteered with our organization for more than 35 years! He founded ARTS 4 ALL KIDS in 1988, alongside his wife Karen Pincombe. Brian works tirelessly in the day to day management of the program. He also selects the numbers, plays piano, and arranges music for the talented vocal and instrumental volunteer performers who participate in our annual fundraising concert 'BROADWAY WITH A TWIST'.
ARTS 4 ALL KIDS has been quietly providing free fine arts education for thousands of London-area children, aged 7 through 12, whose families are otherwise unable to afford private arts and music lessons.
ARTS 4 ALL KIDS is a program of the London and Area Food Bank. The program is designed to nurture creativity and inspire growth in children of families with limited financial means.
The recipient of the Earthy Award is selected by a volunteer committee of the Kiwanis Club of Forest City – London.