Transforming lives is the driving force behind the success of the Ophelia Project mentoring program; where every day in 11 desert area schools, 550 girls are learning the importance of education, nutrition, fitness and community involvement. Since its inception in 1998 – thanks to the contributions of individuals and companies – the Ophelia Project of the Coachella Valley has impacted the futures of 2850 girls!
One of Ophelia’s supportive community partners, the Indian Wells Arts Festival, will once again provide booth space at the renowned 2015 Festival exhibited April 3-5 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, home of the world-famous BNP Paribas Tournament.
“The community partnership with the Indian Wells Arts Festival has brought tremendous benefits to the Ophelia Project in so many ways,” said CEO, Susan Francis. “It offers exposure to thousands of people who attend the Festival, providing us with great visibility, and gives us a platform where we have the opportunity to explain the program and its successes.”
Francis said that in an effort to improve academic performance, the Ophelia Project incorporates a variety of art disciplines into the girls’ experience each school year. “The art component of the Ophelia curriculum successfully engages a student’s attention, and is designed to enhance scholastic achievement,” explains Francis. “This experience opens the girls’ eyes to a broader perspective of life, and helps them to ‘think out of the box;’ their involvement builds self-esteem, instills enthusiasm, and further paves the path for college and career readiness.”
This year’s art assignment led by local artist, Gideon Cohn, required the girls to create hand-painted silk panels featuring scattered designs of Ophelia’s signature butterfly. The colorful silks will line the Indian Wells Arts Festival entry path leading to the Ophelia booth pointing the way to the Festival grounds where visitors will discover a transformed artisan village overflowing with unique art and lively entertainment.
“In addition to this year’s art activity, the Ophelia Project is conducting a silent auction fundraiser to be held at the Ophelia Project booth,” explains Indian Wells Arts Festival producer, Dianne Funk, of Dianne Funk Productions, who said that the bidding will go on throughout the show. “We have asked each of the 200 participating artists to donate a work to the 3-day silent auction, the proceeds from the funds raised will benefit the Ophelia Project scholarship program,” said Funk. “It’s amazing to see how generous the artists are; many offer very expensive pieces to support this worthwhile organization.”
The Ophelia scholarship program supported in part by the Indian Wells Arts Festival has made it possible for over 70 girls to receive nearly $60,000 in awards. Among the awards are college and trade school scholarships to graduating seniors; summer theater camp scholarships to underclassmen; work internships for on-the-job training (matching teens with business who hire youth); and 
community service cash awards for girls who do volunteer work during the year.
With the continued support of partners like the Indian Wells Arts Festival, the Ophelia Project is moving forward in its vision to continue to provide and expand to accommodate 27 Valley schools identified as Ophelia sites. In the next two years the organization plans to complete the build-out in order to facilitate service for all 27 schools. The three to five year plan will establish regional hubs in identified markets; with many cities already asking to have the project model in their schools.
The Ophelia Project, launched in 1998, is not publicly funded and relies on private and corporate donations from foundations, partners, businesses and individuals. For sponsorship, project and donor information please visit www.opheliaprojectcv.org, or contact Susan Francis, CEO at (760) 776-1600 Ext. 122 or Email sfrancis@opheliaprojectcv.org.
