376 Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Turnpike, P.O. Box 316, Bridgehampton, NY 11932

631-537-8250

January 2016 – LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

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Dear Friend,

This month, I hope you’ll join me in supporting Katy’s Courage at the “Love Bites” Benefit on January 23rd. Katy’s Courage is a CMEE partner organization using the power of play to help children experiencing grief or loss. Started by Brigid Collins and Jim Stewart in memory of their 12-year-old daughter, Katy, who passed away from a rare form of liver cancer, Katy’s Kids @ CMEE provides play therapy to help children process and understand their grief.

Families participating in Katy’s Kids meet every other week at CMEE where children have the opportunity to direct their own play with the help of trained facilitators. Because play is the language of children, it is their primary way of telling us how they feel and think. It serves as an outlet for all the feelings that grieving children have inside: fear, anger, anxiety, frustration, and guilt. Through play, children can express their feelings and fully mourn.

The program is free to participate and I’ve been incredibly moved by the impact it has made not only on children but on parents, too. Katy’s Kids @ CMEE demonstrates the vital need in the East End for a safe space where children and families can share and support each other, no matter what age they are.

I’m so impressed with what Brigid and Jim have accomplished and I’m honored that CMEE can play a part. Please join CMEE Board and staff members in buying tickets to the “Love Bites” benefit on January 23, which will support Katy’s Courage.

While many people may assume it’s rare for a child to experience the loss of a close family member, a nationwide poll conducted in 2009 revealed that 1 in 7 adult respondents said they had lost a parent or sibling before they turned 20 years old. With almost 15% of children experiencing grief, the need for bereavement programs like Katy’s Kids is huge. That’s why we need your help!

I’m grateful for your consideration and I hope to see you on the 23rd!

Sincerely,

Steve

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