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East Goshen Elementary Art Program Receives Support from a Small Foundation with a Big Heart
East Goshen Principal Dennis Brown (left), Tracy McCloskey, Andy Fowkes, Joey Fowkes, Rachel Fowkes
Lindsay Fowkes of Virginia had a love of art; a love that wasn't able to fully blossom because her life was cut short by cancer at the age of 11. However, Lindsay's affinity for art and her memory lives on through the generosity of her family and friends, and East Goshen Elementary School's art program is a recipient of that generosity.
School principal Dennis Brown recently received an email from Andy and Joey Fowkes about a donation they wanted to give to the school courtesy of the Lindsay V. Fowkes Foundation. Lindsay’s father Bill Fowkes established the foundation in 1992.
Lindsay was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 8. According to Joey Fowkes, Lindsay's aunt, she fought hard, and the cancer went into remission. Tragically, it returned three years later, and Lindsay passed away shortly after receiving her second diagnosis.
"After she passed away, her father wanted to find some way for her legacy and memory to live on for all of us," said Joey Fowkes. "He established the Lindsay V. Fowkes foundation with the purpose of gifting money to elementary school art programs."
“It is a small, intimate foundation. Bill wants it that way," said Andy Fowkes, Lindsay’s uncle. "Donations come from friends and family members all across the country. What Bill likes to do is donate the money to art programs in elementary schools in the communities where the money came from."
The Fowkes have no connection to East Goshen Elementary School other than residing near the school since 2013. The family has moved around a bit due to Andy's career as an officer in the United States Air Force. Through the foundation, they have donated to schools in Alaska, Montana, and now West Chester.
Principal Brown and art teacher Tracy McCloskey were moved by the donation to the school's art program. They are brainstorming ideas for ways to fulfill the foundation's mission of supporting art education and honor the memory of a little girl who clearly brought so much joy to those who loved her.