At The Heart of Virginia Foundation, Every Day is an Earth Day

When we asked founders Nancy Hunter and Tommy Edwards if they wouldn't mind us coming to find out about the Heart of Virginia Foundation, we didn't expect to have this much fun over a really serious cause. Although we shot this short interview on Earth Day, the fact that the Heart of VA's new Center for Integrated Arts is housed at Grandin Gardens and offers programs which involves its participants in art, poetry and music makes every day an "earth day" experience.

Their Mission and Campaign page of their website explains it best, "The mission of the Center for Integrated Arts is to advance public awareness and increase opportunities for our community to experience the wellness and healing benefits of expressive arts and therapies. Group and Individual Programs will be person-centered and accommodate special needs. The center may incorporate and integrate existing programs and organizations that are in alignment with or mission, as well as, offer new programs that will allow for organic growth a greater understanding of sustainable living in the 21st century and beyond. Opportunities will include, art and music therapies, fine arts education and instruction, performing arts, media arts, healing arts, physical arts, meditative arts, drama, dance, live performances, exhibits, support groups, mentoring programs and various other community activities."

Please visit The Heart of Virginia Foundation's website for more information, whether it be for you, someone you know, or to find out how you can be of valuable help to your friends and neighbors. And it is a neighborhood, a community, and a piece of the global village - back in my time (oh, at least a century ago) we called it "a small world."

What the Heart of VA does, however, is in no way small. It is nothing short HUGE, as is Tommy and Nancy's heart and dedication to their movement in providing a key answer to the stigma of mental illness through their concerted efforts and the fruits of its highly needed volunteerism.

PS: The band that is playing in the background and on camera at the Grandin Gardens in this footage is called The Flying Rugs. Please check them out on My Space by clicking on their name above. Their music is Americana-Folk Rock and we were delighted to have their wonderful talent included in the video!!