George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts (GRFA) advocates the importance of the arts in the development of our youth. GRFA encourages the use of art within all curriculums and supports a variety of art educational programs. Student success at any age depends on self-confidence, specifically the belief in one’s own ability.  Research proves that personal growth benefits from creative expression and that artistic accomplishment provides students the self-esteem needed for success in all areas of life. However, due to budget shortfalls and misconceptions, schools find it increasingly difficult to incorporate art in education.  GRFA wants to reverse this trend. As a young boy George dreamed of being an artist, and as an adult he credited the support of his parents and teachers with helping him realize that dream. Over the years, Rodrigue assisted numerous non-profits, not only in the arts, but also humanitarian organizations, disaster relief, animal welfare and others. In 2009, George Rodrigue (1944-2013) formed GRFA as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Today, the Rodrigue family and the Rodrigue Foundation's primary focus is to encourage the use of art in education, hoping to inspire in others an early and on-going creative passion similar to George's. Click on the image to find out more; to donate, click here.