All Stars Project INC.

Press Advisory

Despite a challenging economic climate that has undercut the fundraising efforts of many nonprofits, the All Stars Project put on a stellar performance in 2010.  At the beginning of its 30^th Anniversary Year, the rapidly growing youth development organization headquartered on West 42^nd Street in New York is celebrating record-breaking achievements in many areas of programming and in its fundraising partnerships with corporations, foundations and individuals.

In 2010, this partnership raised a record $7.3 million in private funding, up 14% from its 2009 level.  Over 250 corporations and foundations supported the All Stars last year.  More than 3,000 individuals made donations ranging from $1 to over $800,000. 

Gabrielle Kurlander, President and CEO, points out that "All Stars has created a unique model of private funding. Since we don't seek government funding, we aren't restricted in our ability to innovate and move quickly.  That's been key to our ability, over 30 years, to create new programs and test them rapidly.  And when our supporters see the success, they not only increase their own investment, they recruit others with a similar interest in the development of inner-city youth.  That's what has allowed us to grow and to hit higher fundraising targets year after year.  And, to do that during an historic economic slowdown amidst drastic government cutbacks is really remarkable."

The growth in All Stars funding is especially dramatic when compared to the state of fundraising in the U.S. as a whole since the recession began in 2007.  Giving USA reports that total U.S. giving dropped 2.2% in 2008 and 3.6% in 2009.  Although figures have not been released for 2010, many experts expect giving to be flat or up just slightly last year.  This contrasts with a total 32% increase in fundraising for All Stars since 2007.

Founded in 1981, the All Stars has become a pioneer and national leader in creating innovative afterschool programming based on a model of youth development through performance.  The principle is that by stretching themselves and performing as competent and successful people, children can become what they pretend to be.

The All Stars Project's core program is its All Stars Talent Show Network created, produced and performed by young people.  In its 30-year history, All Stars has created other developmental programs, including the Development School for Youth, a program that partners with corporations to expose inner-city young people to corporate culture and allows them to perform as young executives in summer internships.  By the end of 2010, the Development School for Youth was operating in all four All Stars cities.  The Youth Onstage! program gives young people interested in the performing arts the opportunity to work with top-flight directors, actors and other performers from New York City's Theatre District.

In 2010, All Stars also created a radically new concept, called UX.  "UX is a kind of 'college of development,'" explains Kurlander.  "We're offering all kinds of high-quality courses and workshops that lead to development for people of all ages, from kids to seniors.  And all the courses and workshops - taught by leaders in their fields - are completely free.  UX currently has over 600 participants enrolled in classes for the spring semester, and many new courses will come online as the year progresses."

Other All Stars Project achievements in recent years include the creation of a world-class performing arts and development center at the All Stars international headquarters on 42^nd Street in Manhattan, creation of Operation Conversation: Cops and Kids -- in partnership with the New York Police Department -- to bring cops and kids together in New York, and the January 2011 release of Let's Pretend, a white paper by All Stars co-founders Dr. Fred Newman and Dr. Lenora B. Fulani on the importance of development through performance in solving America's educational problems. 

The All Stars Project invites all who care about development for America's inner- city youth to join in celebrating the accomplishments of its first 30 years, and to join in furthering its goals of youth development for 2011 and beyond.