‘ Bow Ties & Sandals ’ Gala to Benefit Film and Media Program
” When we decided to overhaul our website , we really wanted to represent the community that we serve ,” Barnes said . “ We took a competent team of video professionals with I / DD and facilitated moments where they could gather images and video .”
Options For All ’ s third annual fundraising event will take place at the “ magic hour ” – a time when the sun has disappeared but still illuminates the sky . It ’ s when the light softens , shadows disappear , and everyone is beautiful .
The magic hour is a metaphor for a more inclusive and accepting society . It is also the best time of day for videography . Fittingly , the gala will benefit OFA ’ s highly successful Film and Media Program . Launched in 2017 , the program has grown to employ a team of production assistants with I / DD who went through the program , resulting in its participants finding employment in the field .
Graduates of the OFA program have found industry jobs , including content producers for OFA and other nonprofit organizations . Recently , the OFA team produced a documentary film for The Mesa Rim Academy , a nonprofit that helps people of all abilities enjoy climbing . The film has been accepted to the International Film Festival in San Diego – showing the caliber and quality of the team ’ s training .
Last year ’ s gala raised over $ 250,000 for seniors with I / DD , and the goal is to exceed that target , said Vincenzo Tarantino , OFA ’ s Director of Marketing and Communications . This year ’ s proceeds will help upgrade the film studios and productions to meet ever-evolving industry standards .
“ Through the unique perspective and experience of people with I / DD , we ’ re breaking down barriers for this community and providing them with a platform for their voice ,” Tarantino said . “ Through this medium , they can share their perspective of how they see the world and the community .”
98 GBSAN . COM | JULY 2022