The Wilma Foundation
Latest Happenings
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas to Everyone from The Wilma Foundation!
Help the Children and Adults with The Wilma Foundation at the Passaic County Elks Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center
The Wilma Foundation's mission is to bring joy to an underprivileged child or adult's life. I founded this foundation to fulfill my desire of "giving" and "creating hope" for families and their children, ultimately for the world. No child or family should wither in the waking of this extraordinary life because of diseases.
You have no idea of how much your donation makes a real, true difference. How much you donate doesn't matter to us here at The Wilma Foundation. One hundred percent of every dollar received goes directly to supporting the research and treatment at the Passaic County Elks Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center and their schools.
Maya and I visited the school on Tuesday, December 16, and we both were overwhelmed by their busy days, but more importantly, the love and dedication of their incredible staff, such as Stephanie Richvalsky, the director for the Adult Center.
Meeting Dr. Weiss was amazing. He is so dedicated, and extremely hopeful in fighting to help create better lives for the adults and children attending the Passaic County Elks Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center. I wanted to get a vibe before dedicating more of my time, and i was extremely pleased with everyone at that school. Everyone was filled with so much love and fearlessness.
We even met some of the beautiful children there whose smile alone put my life into perspective, and allowed me the strength to see this life for what it really is: Wonderful. A sheer blessing, regardless of the challenges that arise. These children had strength, motive, and love in their big hearts—a willingness i rarely find in most people these days, especially the people who know how to take this life for granted and don't know the true essence of suffering. Most of these kids can't talk normally, so the Center discovers new technological gear for the children to communicate with families and staff based on a simple "yes" "no". And of course, new experimental technology is always going to be very costly.
No doubt, the family and staff at the Passaic County Elks Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center and at The Wilma Foundation are teaming up, and are made up of a very special group. We need loyal supporters now at The Wilma Foundation to help spread hope and love to them all, as many as we can, and give them the financial resources to ensure that no child or adult is ever let down or turned away because of a family’s inability to pay.
We have the power to help.To fight positively. To be strong together, and to slowly make a difference in their lives and in doing so, making a difference in your own life. I can't begin to tell you how my life has changed in such a positive way ever since i started The Wilma Foundation with Maya, especially after visiting the school this week. I look forward to visiting the school again.
Through the power of goodness, love, and music, you'll be making a vital difference in the lives of children and adults of all ages who need our help by providing the funds. Whatever amount you choose, your dollars will give a child a second and third chance at life.
Our job is never done at The Wilma Foundation, even if they do find all the right treatments. All children deserve to live healthy-free lives. This year we've made remarkable progress in the never ending battle to save a life one at a time.Your gift could mean life and freedom to a child and adult for the Passaic County Elks Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center. We all need your help right now.
—Keith A. Caputo
On December 16, 2008, The Wilma Foundation took its first initiative in beginning a remarkable step towards improving humanity.
Keith and I spent the morning at the Passaic County Elks Cerebal Palsy Treatment Center. As us being completely new t this, we really had no idea what to expect, or how we would be received, let alone how we would receive the people we were to meet that day. Let me tell you, it was, above anything else, the most inspiring and motivational morning.
Our morning began with meeting the "principal," or executive director, Dr. William Weiss. I was so taken back by how much passion he has for making the children's and adults' lives as "normal" as possible. We learned a lot about him and how he came into the field, and how he made so much progress and improvements for the school itself.
Afterwards, he took us on a comprehensive tour of the main building, which is the Pre-K/elementary school. Over the 60 years the Passaic County Elks Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center as been in existence, they have been dealt their own struggles as well, and met each and every one head on - a trait that shines right to the children and adults they help every day.
We met with many of the teachers, therapists and specialists throughout the school, as we were there right before the children arrived. Those halls were filled with such large amounts of love, hope and such positivity. And the kids! You would have never known they had any disabilities, because they were so happy and and full of life! They were super and amazingly friendly.
One of the bigger moments for us was when we were in one of the computer labs, and we met with the staff responsible for developing the gear the children use not only to communicate, but to just have fun with. Just the fact the staff goes out of their way to find the latest in experimental technology for their children to be able to do something like play with a toy, or make some music, blew my mind. One of the therapists even contacted a software company about a program they use, and contributed a multitude of ideas because the company wanted to make their product more intuitive for the child, I mean, that's amazing! Who does this? I don't know of any school who has an extremely dedicated, well-trained staff than the Passaic County Elks Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center, that's for sure.
After having a complete tour of the main school, Dr. Weiss drove Keith and I a few blocks down the road to their High School, and once again, we were mighty impressed by what we found. The staff always goes above and beyond for their children by giving them a comfortable, homey environment, yet providing a sense of being in high school, regardless of what your disability might be.
Another aspect I found to be quite remarkable was the fact they also put together assemblies and concerts, just like any high school does. It shows that the staff is all about bringing the absolute best to the children, while bringing the best out of them, and helping them every step of the way.
An important aspect they constantly told us about, aside from the education and caring for their medical needs, was they always want to keep the children active and moving. Keith and I became quite educated in not just cerebral palsy, but in development disabilities in general, and how it's always important to keep everyone exercised. It seriously just blows me away how great this school really is, and how wonderful they are in keeping a well-balanced flow for the children.
Our last stop was at the Adult Center, where once again we met with more wonderful people and their terrific staff. We heard stories about some of the adults who go there, and met with a bunch of terrific staff again. People would say how much they love their job and being there, regardless how much they get paid. At the end of the day, it really is about one thing, and one thing only: Improving the life, care and well being of all these wonderful children and adults who have the honor of being a part of the Passaic County Elks Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center.
Everything really came full circle that day. One tends to think how much we as humans have taken for granted, even though there's a lot of negativity happening around us daily. Seeing the way these unique children and adults live their daily lives, and how they have it, makes every worry and "problem" the rest of us have miniscule. In my eyes, the kids and adults of the Passaic County Elks Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center are the real heroes.
As we ask you to contribute to our cause(s), remember, we don't do this for the fame, or to make a mark, or anything obnoxious. We do this because people need help, whether it's financial, or physical, or emotional, and we understand how hard life can be.
It really amazes me on how a passionate rant turned into this not even a year later.
I really look forward to visit the schools again.
—Maya R. Odinezenko
Monday, December 1, 2008
Greetings to all friends, family and fans!
My birthday is coming up in just 3 short days: December 4th, and I will be 35 years old. I'm very excited I lived past 27; I seriously didn't think I would make it this far, especially being involved with rock and roll, and coming from a heavily sedated family. And what a life I've lived up until this very crucial point of "NOW."
For my birthday this year, nothing in this world would make me more happier if you would all find a special place in your heart to donate a small amount--any amount--of money to The Wilma Foundation before Christmas this year.
As you know, The Wilma Foundation is a 100% non-profit organization Maya and I started last year to help and give love to underprivileged children with broken homes, or no homes at all. No family or parents. I know firsthand how this feels, and let me tell you; frankly, it sucks big time, especially around the "holidays."
If you're wondering how much to donate, it could be 25 cents, could be 25 dollars; it could even be a penny. We're not looking for any specific amount, it's just the gesture that counts.
We're looking to raise money for the children of the Passaic County Elks Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center, in Clifton, NJ, and time is running out. I have an expectation of raising $2500-5000.00 this month for these children to provide them with wheelchairs, school products, books and toys. We are trying really hard, but we need help from every and anyone who is interested in displaying kindness and compassion toward these children.
I will meet with these kids possibly this week, and will provide updates and photos as I visit and talk at the school.
I know times are hard for all of us, but remember this: Most kids have it much more difficult than we do.
Again, The Wilma Foundation is a completely non-profit organization. We make no profit whatsoever. More information regarding this idea will be posted soon.
Please spread this message to anyone who you feel may be interested in helping us out at The Wilma Foundation.
Click here to begin the donation process.
We thank you deeply for taking the time to read this, and for your generosity.
God bless.
Keith A. Caputo
Maya R. Odinezenko
Friday, June 27, 2008
We are extremely thrilled to announce our first true press coverage on the Foundation. It can be seen in the July, 2008, issue of the U. K. magazine, Rock Sound.
You can also download the .pdf of it right here.
Awesome interview, Keith!!!
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