Read My blog at A Writer Types

Welcome to LoveCallie! The story: Ever since Callie learned to read she could often be found with her nose in a book or eyes aimed at a computer screen, reading. This didn't always curry favor when she was supposed to be participating in a family meal at a restaurant or doing a chore or completing a homework assignment. It became increasingly obvious to anyone who spent time with her that she was a very cerebral child, possessing extraordinary gifts and passions. Now 14 1/2 and ready for her freshman year of high school, that passion is deeper than ever. Her participation for the past two summers at Idyllwild Arts Summer writing program, orchestrated in great part by the motions set in place by her aunt and uncle, Amy Friedman and Dennis Danziger, and gratefully supported by extended family members, was transformative. Surrounded with like minded creative individuals from all over the world high amid the beauty of the rugged California mountains, Callie felt at home. In her words, "Idyllwild was a magical place and I knew it right from the start; right when I was left in that amazing bedroom, given a promise for two weeks of intense writing instruction!" At the end of her second camp experience in late July 2011, the creative writing campers read select pieces in front of family and friends at the camp's concluding event. From this singular reading of her work (Argument), she was invited to join the creative writing program at Idyllwild Arts Academy, a 4 year boarding high school for talented artists in 7 disciplines, creative writing being the smallest program.  We were all stunned and amazed when, within 72 hours of applying, Callie was accepted and offered a significant scholarship to attend. But it was not a full ride, and the remaining sum is daunting. In the belief that it does indeed take a village -- or in this case a cyber world --  to raise a child -- we created this site to set in motion what we hope will be donations, of any size -- to help us help this gifted young woman on a path to fulfill her hopes and dreams and nurture her passion in a most extraordinary environment. And in return, we believe with all our hearts that this sensitive, artistic and genuinely deeply good soul will herself someday be in a position to pay it forward. Thank you for taking the time to read this request and thank you in advance for any donations. Please share this site with anyone you feel might find this appeal worthwhile. In gratitude, Rachel Friedman and Jay Levan

Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated.