Furthering a Tradition of Grassroots Giving 2007 Annual Report In 2007, the Rex Community Cara- Philanthropic, corporate and indi- tions helped us present successful van, our virtual vehicle for philan- vidual sponsors funded the second Black Tie-Dye Balls across the coun- thropy, demonstrated its many year of program work on “The World try and boost overall contributions. dimensions. The musical community As It Could Be”, our ever expanding showcased the numerous fundrais- human rights education project, now Together, as riders on the Caravan ing events that prompted the coining poised to enter the classroom. Bus, we have all helped generate of the term “Rex Musical Caravan” what is reported here. Truly we are to depict their generous support in Continuing and expanded support a community contributing to the stops across the country. from individuals and family founda- manifold needs or our times. RALPH J. GLEASON AwarD JErrY GarcIA AwarD BILL GraHam AwarD In memory of music journalist Ralph J. Gleason, a In memory of Grateful Dead guitarist and founding Rex In memory of pioneering producer and founding Rex major figure in the advancement of music in America in board member Jerry Garcia, this award is designed to board member Bill Graham, himself a refugee, this award the 1960s, whose openness to new music and ideas tran- honor and support individuals and groups that work is for those working to assist children who are victims scended differences between generations and styles. to encourage creativity in young people. of political oppression and human rights violations. Photo by Barry Brecheisen Barry by Photo Allen Toussaint JazzMasters Workshop The Cambodian Children’s Producer, songwriter, arranger, ses- Since 2000, JazzMasters Work- Fund (CCF) sion pianist and solo artist, Allen shop has held 2,000 workshops for In recognition of children’s rights, Toussaint’s music crosses multiple children of all ages, abilities and CCF services Cambodia’s poorest, generations and inspires new gen- backgrounds. Weekly workshops are undereducated and most vulner- erations. His contributions, particu- staffed by prominent professionals able children by providing them larly to New Orleans music, earned and the programs build knowledge, with the care, education and train- him induction into the Rock and Roll skill and confidence by enabling kids ing they need to reach their full Hall of Fame in 1998. He is revered to play and learn from real musi- potential. CCF seeks to create a safe, for his distinguished record in pub- cians in a nurturing and participa- open place for children to thrive, lic service, devoting his talents to a tory environment. The program pro- learn and grow and to provide variety of community and charitable vides assistance with admittance to protection and support needed to programs while continuing to men- schools, conservatories and camps, overcome the barriers that prevent tor musicians and represent New acquiring instruments and providing human development. 10801 National Blvd, Ste. 560, Los Angeles, CA Orleans in the finest fashion. performance opportunities. 90064 • 310-441-9014 www.rockhall.com/inductee/allen-toussain PO Box 73, Carmel Valley, CA 93924 www.cambodianchildrensfund.org www.jazzmastersworkshop.org From the Executive Director At a recent Dark Star Orchestra show at the Great American Music Hall, I heard the lyrics of Box of Rain in a whole new way from the hundreds of times I had heard them before. The expression, “Maybe you’ll find direction around some corner where it’s Furthering a Tradition of Grassroots Giving been waiting to meet you” gave me a sense of “Aha!” to explain my perspective on the Rex Foundation in 2007. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bob Weir Since 2001, we have developed initiatives to fund the Rex Foundation mission for Tim Walther Cameron Sears the longterm, forge kindred connections, raise awareness about the issues that affect John Scher our communities, and help bring about positive social change. When we initiated Cliff Palefsky Roger McNamee these various endeavors, such as the Perspectives Newsletters, Black Tie-Dye Balls, the Nick Morgan John Leopold Rex Community Caravan, and most recently The World As It Could Be human rights Michael Klein education project, we could not know how they would evolve. Rosalie Howarth Mickey Hart Freddy Hahne As I reflect on what took place during 2007, I see a confluence of our initiatives Carolyn Garcia positioning us strongly and defining direction for the future. Thanks to the sup- Andy Gadiel Kristin Dolan port of many musicians and festival promoters, the stage is well set to carry out Rex Stefanie Coyote Musical Caravan fundraising events across the country that showcase the generosity Barry Caplan Diane Blagman of the musical community in supporting grassroots programs. Because of the com- Steve Bernstein mitment and trust of individual, corporate and philanthropic funding entities, and Bill Graham (1984 – d.1991) the dedication of its creative team, The World As It Could Be project has entered a Jerry Garcia (1984 – d.1995) phase of significant new potential: contributing to a public school curriculum that ADVISORY BOARD Bill Walton uses the creative arts to enhance the teaching of the Universal Declaration of Human Sage Scully Rights. Demonstrating the possibilities of the collective power we have as a phil- Jon McIntire Larry Brilliant anthropic community, where “$5 or more” can add up quickly, our Rex Community Bernie Bildman John Perry Barlow Caravan call for Spare Change for Social Change raised $5,000 in on-line contributions EMERITUS – Hal Kant in just a short time, and the first Rex Jam at the 10,000 Lakes Festival raised $1,600 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR in under 40 minutes. Sandy Sohcot Associate DIRECTOR On December 15th, we had yet another incredible night of music and community Theresa Reed-Hayle connection at The Warfield Theatre in San Francisco,The Music Never Stops. The out- ADMINistratioN Chris Meharg pouring of good will from everyone involved in this benefit, along with all that hap- EDITORIAL Alan Trist pened throughout the year, embodies my sense that 2007 was a corner turned. COMMUNicatioNS Casey Lowdermilk, Mary Eisenhart, Barbara Saunders As I write this, we are immersed in carrying out and planning activities to build on the successes of 2007 and celebrate our 25th Anniversary. The direction ahead feels The Rex Foundation is brightened by all that we have done together so far, just waiting to meet all that is named after Rex Jackson, a Grateful Dead roadie possible in the future. and later road manager until his untimely death in 1976 – Sandy Sohcot Mission Statement The Rex Foundation continues to embody the spirit of generosity and concern that evolved in the cul- HOW REX WORKS ture of the Deadheads and the Grateful Dead, aiming to help secure a healthy environment, promote The Rex Foundation has no paid board members. Virtually individuality in the arts, provide support to critical and necessary social services, assist others less all of our grant recipients are fortunate than ourselves, protect the rights of indigenous people and ensure their cultural survival, build selected through the personal a stronger community, and educate children and adults everywhere. knowledge and outreach of our decision makers – as a result, Guiding Principles and Values grant requests are not solicited. • We respect traditional wisdom cultures. We have no application forms • We respect individual rights and differences. and no published guidelines. • We are willing to take risks and trust people. Grants are made once or twice a year, and our report • We help people who are helping others and are trying to make a difference. is published annually. • We help people develop bold new solutions to problems. • We benefit the broader community and the broader good. REX FOUNDATION • We practice inclusiveness and open-mindedness. P.O. Box 29608 • We support organizations committed to grassroots action. San Francisco, CA 94129 • We seek to identify entities doing good work that might otherwise be overlooked. (415) 561-3134 • Our support helps beyond direct funding by boosting the visibility of the recipient’s work. www.rexfoundation.org • We want to be an agent of change, to help leverage greater impact. Federal ID # 68 0033257 • We are non-partisan. PRINTED ON • We promote an active, informed citizenry. Sakura Silk 71# text • The Foundation is an efficient conduit for supporting the community. 100% Post-Consumer Waste • Being part of the Rex Foundation is enjoyable. New Leaf Paper Company • We carry on the best of the spirit of the 60’s to create a more harmonious world. The World As It Could Be – A Rex Foundation Program Takes Hold There was strong agreement among several of the • Many people, across all ages and demographics, are foundation sponsors, the creative team and the Rex not aware of the UDHR; Foundation, that there should be follow-up in 2007 • It is vital that youth have the opportunity to not only to build on the 2006 project The World As It Could Be learn about the UDHR, but also be the leaders in – A Declaration of Human Rights, an original production teaching its importance to their peers and to adults; created to dramatize the importance of the Universal • The creative arts provide a powerful mechanism for Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), a vision of a teaching the UDHR. world where all human beings have freedom of speech Bringing all these ideas together, in 2007 we undertook and belief and freedom from fear and want,