SymFUNNY

$100

Giving Level

$100 covers the cost for 1 participant to complete the Financial Empowerment program and receive a 5% interest rate drop!

When you donate, you will receive a copy of the children’s book, SymFUNNY, co-authored by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford, Executive Director of Fairmount Center for the Arts, and Anna Magnusson, Executive Director of Able Up Iowa.

“SymFUNNY is an imaginative exploration of a child’s first trip to the symphony. The book manages to introduce readers to important musical and language concepts while remaining simple and funny,” shared Sarah Vargo, Children’s Services Manager of the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library.

About the Artist

Jeannie Fleming-Gifford

Many years ago, Jeannie Fleming-Gifford and Anna J.Magnusson connected, both having a mutual love for the arts and writing. Together, the two began creating and collaborating on a variety of stories. Their children’s book, SymFUNNY, was inspired by watching young children enter the orchestra hall, many for the first time, to experience a live performance. The concept came to life as Anna and Jeannie captured the viewpoint of young children and their expectations of going to the symphony versus their actual experience. The manuscript sat waiting to be shared until Fleming-Gifford connected with Kira Weber, a perfect fit for bringing the concept of SymFUNNY to print. Kira has had an interest in art before she could talk. As soon as she could hold a crayon, she began creating intricately detailed art. Her autism has helped her focus for extended periods as she paints and draws. This playful children’s story is shared as an introduction to symphonic music, the orchestra, and to support literacy development.

Both Fleming-Gifford and Magnusson will be providing proceeds of the book sales to support two non-profits: Fairmount Center for the Arts and the I Am Able IOWA radio program. Fairmount Center for the Arts is a non-profit arts organization whose mission is to enrich lives through the arts: www.fairmountcenter.org. I Am Able IOWA is a radio program produced by Able Up Iowa. The radio show discusses the ability in disability by sharing information, events, and stories with listeners. www.iamableiowa.com. For more information or to obtain a copy of “SymFUNNY” and support Fairmount Center for the Arts and I Am Able IOWA, visit www.atgoriginals.net.

Please note we have recently changed our name from Iowa Able Foundation to Able Up Iowa.