Launching Back-to-School in Color!

Last spring the Meeting House had the great pleasure of partnering with an incredible businesswoman and a philanthropic powerhouse, Suzanne Sunshine, whose real estate brokerage and consulting firm specializes in the nonprofit sector.  Speaking about her firm in a New York Times interview, she described her goals as “advising nonprofits in whatever real estate matters they have. If it’s housing or thrift shops, retail or theater, warehouse or office, or if someone needs to sublease, I do it all.”

We are thrilled to announce another exciting art gallery event at a popular restaurant to benefit The Meeting House.  The show will be open at Rosie in New Canaan, CT from September 25 through November 30.  These paintings are already available online here.

A portion of all online and restaurant-gallery sales from this show will go to The Meeting House. “I am grateful to have Paula Resnick and The Meeting House as my philanthropic partner for my art because TMH’s mission is universal and its operating and fundraising strategies support creativity and social entrepreneurship. Creativity is my emotional resilience. This partnership raises money by pairing art and philanthropy and business in a local, community-driven approach. Paula and I can take this fundraising model anywhere." 

Recent clients of S. Sunshine & Associates include Planned Parenthood USA and International Planned Parenthood Foundation, Ms. Foundation for Women, Steinhardt Foundation for Jewish Life, American Ballet Theatre, and Atlantic Philanthropies and she is also regular donor to the charities whom she advises. “When I close a deal, I’ll donate a portion of my fees — from 10 to 50 percent — that I get from the landlords to the nonprofit.” she explains.

In addition to her powerful business skills, Ms. Sunshine is also a talented artist. In May, Ms. Sunshine’s art turned Upper West Side boutique Olive & Bette’s into a mini gallery. Fifteen percent of the profit from the clothing sales and twenty percent of the profit from the art sales were donated to The Meeting House. Even before the event opened, paintings from the exhibition were sold online, raising $700 for The Meeting House before the store event even opened.  At the event, a lively bake sale produced by the children who attend the Meeting House programs transformed the popular boutique for teens into a festive party.  When Suzanne spoke about this event she said, “art should be in the community and benefitting the community rather than tucked away only in galleries”.  

Paula Resnick, founder of The Meeting House added, "Suzanne Sunshine is one of the rare people who has lived her life with tremendous heart and passion.  As a social entrepreneur in business and philanthropy she has been truly innovative and highly successful. As a philanthropic partner and friend to The Meeting House she delivers time and time again because she is deeply committed to our mission. As the mother of two, she shares our vision and understands and appreciates the importance of living our motto of —Fun, Friendship & Community". 

We are grateful for Suzanne's partnership with us to expand our mission and reach and to further our dedication to the social inclusion and creation of community for all children and families.