I can’t believe it.

It has already been a year and a half since my Dad passed.

It has been hard to say the least, but, I also have to tell you . . . since he left us on Easter Sunday in 2020, my Dad has had an Obi-wan Kenobi-like effect on me. I can feel him encouraging me . . . and encouraging others . . . even more so now than ever. And I look forward to finding more ways to honor his passion for the arts, our heritage, and the loving way he challenged me.  

And I’m proud to say that one of the ways he continues to encourage is through the charity that I started on his behalf . . . The Dr. Kenny Encouragement Fund!  

In addition to the three grants we gave this year for his scholarship with that outstanding org, The EdTA, we also gave away two grants right here on this blog last year to Marelisse Navarro-Sanabria and Germono Toussaint.  

And it’s time to give away two more!  

Yep, the applications are now open for our 2nd Annual Dr. Kenny Encouragement Fund Scholarships.

And like last year, we’re giving away $1,000 to two theatermakers:

1. An applicant currently enrolled in or going to postsecondary school pursuing a career in the theater industry.
2. An applicant residing in NYC, pursuing a career in the theater industry who has or is facing challenges continuing to make theater, as a result of the pandemic. (Not required to be a student).

More details for the scholarship are on the application page which is accepting applications NOW. We will close the application process on 9/30. We will announce the winners on 10/31.

Oh, and what I have learned in only one year of doing this, is that it’s hard to get the word out to the folks who could use these funds the most. So please, share this blog and post with others.  

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The Dr. Kenny Encouragement Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization, started in honor of my late father, Dr. Kenny Dipchand Hasija, who immigrated here from India in the 60s and encouraged me, his only son, not to follow in his footsteps . . . but to pursue a life in the theater.

This fund aims to carry on his tradition of unconditional support and encouragement of pursuing one’s passions in life, and pay tribute to his love of theater. The organization will seek to provide financial support to students of the arts and theatermakers who demonstrate genuine need, and an embodiment of the spirit of Dr. Kenny. Each year the fund will contribute to activities such as awarding scholarships, distributing relief funds, and donating to individual artists and arts organizations, especially those from unrepresented or marginalized communities.

We are thankful for those who help us in our mission. If you’d like to contribute to the Fund, allowing us to expand the work we do, click here.