Marla Hockfeld, Education Director of Abrakadoodle-Las Vegas & Henderson, NV, was recognized with the Community Service Award for her significant contributions to her community under the Abrakadoodle brand as nominated and selected by her peers nationwide during Abrakadoodle’s 5th annual, national conference in May 2009. The conferees gave Ms. Hockfeld a rousing standing ovation as her contributions were highlighted for the audience. Ms. Hockfeld has been working with “Candlelighters,” 
an organization that provides support services to families that have children with terminal cancer. She and her teachers have been conducting Abrakadoodle art classes with the children once a week. Abrakadoodle has been traveling to two different pediatric cancer clinics and has been spending an hour at each clinic, providing art instruction and activities for the children while they receive treatment. Additionally, Ms. Hockfeld has provided art programming for foster children ages 3-16, and she has also worked with about 200 children worldwide who suffer from albinism and hyper-pigmentation. The conference was held at the National Harbor located in Maryland near the District of Columbia.
In conferring her award, Rosemarie Hartnett, Co-Founder & President of Abrakadoodle remarked, “Marla’s contributions to her community are absolutely heart-warming. Her art programs for children with cancer truly serve as a therapeutic outlet for the kids, which their parents really appreciate. Most of these children are being home-schooled due to their illnesses, and Abrakadoodle brings a creative, educational connection to them. All of Marla’s remarkable community service projects serve as an inspiration to us all, and I am tremendously gratified to present her this award.”
To learn more about Abrakadoodle art classes, camps, workshops and parties, visit us on the web .
Having been awarded the “Go Green Award” in 2009, Abrakadoodle is proud of its programs that foster “green” awareness in our students while promoting creative artistry and fun! Tell us creative ways that you are using your recycled goods at home to tap your children’s imaginations.
Laura Aka, Education Director of Abrakadoodle-Los Angeles, CA, was recognized with Abrakadoodle’s annual Arts for All Grant, which is awarded to one Abrakadoodle program that seeks funding for a program that would otherwise not be possible. Ms. Aka’s grant will be used in an after school program called “No Limits,” which helps meet the auditory, speech and language needs of deaf children through the arts and individual therapy. No Limits hopes to enhance the children’s overall educational experience by making visual arts education a permanent part of their program. Abrakadoodle’s annual, national conference was held in May at the National Harbor located in Maryland near the District of Columbia.
In conferring her award, Rosemarie Hartnett, Co-Founder & President of Abrakadoodle remarked, “This program is a great example of a public-private partnership that can make a real difference in our schools. We are so pleased to help fund Laura’s program that will provide Abrakadoodle art classes for 25 low-income deaf and hard-of-hearing students from Los Angeles area public schools in support of No Limits. In addition to the focus on art, children will be encouraged to increase their vocabulary and practice their speaking skills in the Abrakadoodle classes.”