A New Connection: Jon Strano’s Journey To Supporting Fairmount

Jon enjoying hors d'oeuvres at a Fairmount event in April.

Though Jon Strano’s connection to Fairmount Center for the Arts is still relatively new, his passion for the organization and its mission runs deep. Introduced to Fairmount just last year, Jon was searching for ways to become more involved in his community—particularly with causes that resonated on a personal level. When a local nonprofit leader mentioned Fairmount, it immediately struck a chord.

Reflecting on that first introduction, Jon recalls, “I came to learn about the Fairmount Center for the Arts last year. I was looking for ways to get more involved in my community, particularly with the causes that are most important to me, and was introduced to the organization by the leader of another area non-profit with whom I had met,” he said.

“At the time, it felt a little bit like fate; each year at the holidays, I make a gift to an area non-profit and was so impressed with Fairmount’s mission and work when I researched it that I knew it was where I wanted to make my donation.”

Since then, Jon has begun exploring more of what Fairmount has to offer. As he explains, “I am new and am just now having an opportunity to become more exposed to Fairmount in person, but I am looking forward to getting more involved,” Jon said.

“A few months back, I attended the Pull Back the Curtain Speaker Series when Destinee Siebe came to speak about Harriet Ware. Megan (Director of Development) gave me a tour of the facility at that time. I was in awe of the breadth of programs and events Fairmount offers. I’d love to do my part, however big or small, to support those.”

Jon’s connection to the arts runs deep—even if his own journey in them came later in life.

“I’ve always had a passion for the arts. While I never took advantage of some of the opportunities available when I was younger to get more involved in the arts in an organized way, whether at school or elsewhere, I’d like to know that I’m giving back to an organization that is doing so much to provide those opportunities to today’s youth.”

Jon at the Friends of Fairmount appreciation event sharing in community with other Fairmount supporters!

For Jon, supporting Fairmount is about creating access and nurturing creative potential. “To me, Fairmount means opportunity for those who want it to unleash their creative talents and interests. To hear of its impact on the community it serves, like in the story Elizabeth Bolander (Executive Director) relayed at a recent event of a young girl who told her she felt like she finally found her place, is really gratifying.”

Jon’s decision to support Fairmount stems from many reasons, but his top motivation is likely knowing he’s part of something bigger. “I am excited to be a part of helping Fairmount continue to make their programming available and visible in whatever way I can.”

Thank you, Jon, for your commitment to keeping the arts thriving in our community!