I'm Heather Caisse-Roberts, the new Development Director of Young@Heart. It's an honor to join this organization, and I'm excited to contribute to its continued success. From the moment I walked into a Young@Heart rehearsal, I felt the unique and genuine connection that defines this group. Witnessing the talent, humor, and passion of our chorus members, I immediately knew I’d found something special. While I may never grace the stage as a lead singer (trust me, you don't want to hear my attempts!), I'm already looking forward to 2058 when I hope to join Y@H as a "member in waiting." Until then, I'm committed to channeling my passion for development into supporting this incredible group.
Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working in higher education at American International College in Springfield, where I saw firsthand how learning transforms lives. My time at New England Public Media taught me the power of storytelling and community engagement. Most recently, my role with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra deepened my appreciation for the performing arts and their impact on our community. I've also been fortunate enough to work and live in Europe, an experience that reinforced what Young@Heart demonstrates so beautifully – music truly is a universal language.
I am bringing these experiences to Y@H to develop a long-term sustainability plan ensuring we can always allow people to grow old, without growing boring. But I'll be honest with you – we're facing challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic, while difficult for everyone, surprisingly boosted our funding through government monies and special grants, and allowed us to reach new audiences through virtual performances. However, that funding has since been depleted with no chance of renewal, leaving us with gaps to fill. This week we are announcing new ways you can support Young@Heart. This is crucial because, like many arts organizations, we can't survive on ticket sales alone. While we've had amazing opportunities that have helped fund our organization, like a Super Bowl commercial and a Fox Searchlight Documentary, we can't count on these high-profile events to keep us going day-to-day.
What we can count on is you – our dedicated supporters who understand the magic that happens when we get on stage. The reality is that being a non-profit organization is hard and requires funding from more than just ticket sales and big opportunities. The day-to-day operations and the heart of what we do require consistent and dedicated support. Your ongoing commitment is what keeps the music playing and the connections growing between our members, our audiences, and our mission. I am eager to work alongside our passionate team, dedicated band, the coolest chorus around, and you, our invaluable supporters, to ensure that Young@Heart continues to create musical experiences for years to come.
Stay tuned for our upcoming announcement, more consistent communications about how you can help Y@H play on, and countless thanks for your continued support of Y@H.
With gratitude and anticipation for the journey ahead,
Heather Caisse-Roberts
Development Director
Young@Heart