MUSIC: Beats, Rhythms, and Rhyme
Multi-day courses that cover the introduction of turntablism, writing lyrics, and beat production. Concluding with building a beat, and recording yourself rapping/singing over it.
SKATEBOARDING: Roll with It
All-Level-Skate-Program in a safe environment that promotes wellness, creativity and encourages communication, growth, perseverance and happiness.
VISUAL ART: The Minds Eye
Whether provoking a reaction through beautiful images or jarring ones, social commentary or humor, a few among many possible responses, art has the power to transform both the artist and the viewer.
DANCE: Hip Hop Foundational Movement
Immersed in a unique learning experience, the diaspora of which includes Breakin', which is the original form of Hip Hop Dance.
MUSIC: Learning To Fly Program
A grant-funded initiative dedicated to enriching the lives of underserved youth, ages 12-17, by providing them with access to music lessons they might otherwise never experience. This program opens doors to creativity, self-expression, and personal growth through the transformative power of music.
Scholarship
Our annual scholarship is given to a graduating senior at Bellows Free Academy, St. Albans. The hope is that it will help the recipient gain knowledge and expertise in an area of the arts that they are passionate about, as well as keeping Andy's generosity and memory alive in the community he grew up in.
Be The Match
Every three minutes someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer like leukemia. The cure is in the hands of ordinary people, and it could be you.
A_Dog Day
Our annual community-wide, all day event that features skateboarding, music, visual and performing art; bringing people of all ages together to celebrate Andy’s life and legacy. Proceeds from the ticketed evening event go directly toward funding our FFAD programming for local youth, and scholarships.
A_Dog Day No. 9 Recap Video
Overview of Friends For A_Dog Foundation
DJ/Turntabalist Andy "A_Dog" Williams was the epitome of generosity, positivity and curiosity. His passion and innovativeness in music, skateboarding, and art earned him recognition as a musical talent and cultural icon. Andy was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in December 2012. He underwent extensive chemotherapy, but his only possible long term cure was a bone marrow transplant, with his odds of a match being 1 in 20 million.
After Andy passed away in 2013, FFA_D transitioned into a 501c3 non-profit. Our efforts with bone marrow drives and education continue and we expanded our focus to encompass a variety of programming and scholarships in the arts and skateboarding. We aim to keep Andy's legacy thriving in all the areas he was passionate about by offering free programming accessible to area youth, particularly those from underserved populations.
Every year on the last Saturday in August we put on a major city-wide event, "A_Dog Day", featuring skateboarding, art demos, and multiple performances in music, dance and theater: a true celebration of Andy's lasting influence on his community. Read more
