Multiple Island-Based Nonprofits Team Up to Bring Sensory-Friendly Holiday Concert to Neurodivergent Community Members
Bainbridge Island, Washington
(above) Matilda Thulin (Executive Director, Bainbridge Island Island Special Needs Foundation), Wendi Olinger (Crescendo Choir Director, Ovation! Performing Arts Northwest), Brian Guy (Co-founder, Neurodiversity Allies), and Kellie Creamer (Executive Director, Vitalize Kitsap) with the Ovation! Crescendo Choir
(above) Crescendo choir director Wendi Olinger addresses the patrons prior to the performance.
On December 6, 2023, the Crescendo choir from Ovation! Performing Arts Northwest performed a private sensory-friendly holiday concert for the members of both Vitalize Kitsap and Bainbridge Island Special Needs Foundation’s The Stephens House. The latter two organizations provide services for neurodivergent community members in the Kitsap County region.
“Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night with an idea, and today one of those dreams came true, thanks to amazing teamwork!” said Neurodiversity Allies co-founder Brian Guy. “I am so grateful to Deb for hosting, Matilda for transporting folks over, and of course to Wendi and the choir for providing incredible entertainment and joy!” said Guy. Deb Buitenveld is co-founder of Vitalize Kitsap, Matilda Thulin is Executive Director of Bainbridge Island Special Needs Foundation, and Wendi Olinger is the Crescendo choir director for Ovation! Performing Arts Northwest.
“This was actually my first time seeing Crescendo perform, and they are quite good!” said Guy. For more details about Crescendo, visit https://www.ovationmtb.com/crescendo.
For more information about Vitalize Kitsap, visit https://vitalizekitsap.org.
For more information about Bainbridge Island Special Needs Foundation, visit https://www.bispecialneedsfoundation.org.
For media inquiries, contact info [at] ndallies.org.
Bainbridge Island Special Needs Foundation Executive Director Matilda Thulin, Neurodiversity Allies co-founder Brian Guy, and Vitalize Kitsap co-founder Deb Buitenveld celebrate the performance.