Help Lucas realize his ballet dream

Dear Friends,

Would you consider $5-$10 too much to make a young man's dream come true?

At the age of seven, when other boys were playing football and video games, our son Lucas was putting on his first pair of tights and ballet shoes. As his parents, we've watched with pride as he practiced his craft - not just in the studio, but up in his room after hours of class. By the age of sixteen, Lucas has performed professionally in Philadelphia, Canada and Washington DC. He has received scholarships from the schools of Metroplitan Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, ABT, Miami City Ballet, The Bolshoi and Atlanta Ballet. He co-starred with John Lithgow in Carnival of the Animals in Philadelphia -  production of the Pennsylvania Ballet - his dancing "home" of many years. 

Lucas has just been offered the chance of a lifetime - to study with amazing teachers in New York City at Ballet Academy East (BAE). He is receiving a full tuition scholarship from the school, but that still leaves his room, board and equipment. As you might expect, even a tiny apartment shared with three boys in Manhattan isn't cheap. In all, we estimate his needs for the year at about $9,000. 

As his parents, Lisa and I have helped Lucas all we can, but this expense is beyond our means. We would be incredibly grateful for your support. YOU can make it possible to make this dream a reality. If you can't afford a large contribution, even a $5 donation will help and be much appreciated. Since money would be paid out for room and board every month, a small monthly contribution by many people would help SO much. 

Lucas' dream is not only to have a career in dance, but also to inspire and bring this unique art form to young people everywhere. 

If Lucas' story inspires you, we would be very grateful if you would share this with your friends and families. Please share it with them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and email.

As a contributor, you will receive regular updates from Lucas on his progress, thoughts and feelings. You will get an inside view of an up and coming dancer's life.

We we are so proud of our son's accomplishments and dedication. We would be so grateful for your support and to share his success with you 

John & Lisa Tischler