Testimonials
The Trust holds a special place in my heart. Its’ devotion to seeking out opportunities for the underrepresented is unceasing. I have been a part of
many of the Trust’s projects, and through these projects I was mentored, supported, friendships were fostered, and I was given a chance to be
heard! In 2001, I was chosen to represent the United States and performed at Parliament in the Hague in salute of the victims of 9/11. It was then
that I was able to become familiar with what the Trust represents: helping people. I was in my first semester at the Juilliard School had a great
desire to perform. Through the Trust, I made my Carnegie Hall debut with the Netherlands Student Orchestra and performed with Maestro Skitch
Henderson and the New York Pops, performed for the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedom Awards in both the United States and the Netherlands,
and I made my European recital debut at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Many people yearn for the relationship that has developed between
this special organization and myself. However, the Trust emphasizes the need for service to the Community and giving back in ways that are
unique. In that spirit, I have given motivational speeches and performed for the students at the Choir Academy of Chicago and the New
Amsterdam Boys & Girls Choir in Harlem, New York. While it is sometimes difficult to do, I talk about my own background with other students, and
singing for them encourages young students to pursue their dreams despite the adversities they face.
~ Daniel Billings, Baritone, Chicago Lyric Opera Chicago
The Trust has enabled us to expand our mission of reaching out to the young by sharing their experiences. It is very motivating and inspiring to
work with the Trust and through them, with the business community. In addition to the knowledge we as a community center receive from them,
our young students are energized by the many projects the Trust is initiating in Eindhoven.
~ Dennis & Sara, Managers, Community Center T-HUIS Eindhoven, the Netherlands
First of all, I would like to thank the Trust for the summer job they offered me. It has been a period full of experiences and valuable lessons
working with the business community and non profit organizations. A very important aspect of the Trust is working with role models, and Lot
Overbosch has been a great role model to me. Because of my experiences at the Trust, I come home talking positively and with a lot of energy
about “doing something good”. It has become a central topic within my family. I’m from a musical family. Music is an ideal instrument to reach out
to young people. That is why I’m honored that the Trust will use my song, “Free to be me”, as its’ theme song.
~ Shelton Telesford, Composer, college student, Music Production and Performance. Utrecht, the Netherlands
The Trust is an enthusiastic and generous partner of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). FIRST designs
challenging programs that grab students’ imagination and require creative and innovative solutions under real world conditions and constraints.
FIRST offers an integrated system of hands-on programs- FIRST Lego League and FIRST Robotics Competitions that truly change the way our
youth, educators and corporate partners view science and technology.
The Trust is committed to positively impacting today’s youth, and tomorrows future and has joined FIRST to offer opportunities for young people to
learn about science, technology and innovation for a great many years. The Trust came on board to help launch the Georgia FIRST program over
5 years ago. They not only committed funding support which helped produce the Atlanta Peach Tree regional, but they also gave us Major Phillip
Perkins. Phil, an avid supporter of our competitions, represented the Trust as a competition judge for many years. He is also acting as a judge at
many competitions up and down the eastern seaboard. Phil takes every opportunity to inspire kids and share his excitement about science
education and career choices. His is also a popular Awards Ceremony speaker at many of our regional competitions. Our FIRST programs thrive
through the support of individuals like Phil Perkins and companies such as the Netherlands American Community Trust.
~ Pattie Cook, Regional Director, FIRST, Washington, D.C.
I am very grateful for the support I received from the Netherlands American Community Trust. In early 2007, I was selected by the Trust to perform
at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam with five young jazz musicians from New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Miami and New York. I was then selected to
perform in New York at Carnegie Hall with these musicians and sing with the performing choir of the Duke Ellington School of Music. I was only
seventeen years old and it was an experience I will cherish and remember for the rest of my life. I am very thankful for such a great musical start in
my career!
~ Karsu Donmez, Jazz vocalist, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
When I first moved from New Orleans to New York City, I did not have any close family or friends living there. Right after Hurricane Katrina, the
Netherlands Trust adopted me as not only a young artist whom they wanted to help nurture, but also as a family member. The Trust is an uncanny
organization of individuals who have helped me by not only sponsoring my debut in Carnegie Hall in 2005, but also at the Concertgebouw in
Amsterdam in 2007. As the Trust reached out to me, I enjoyed reaching out to other young inner city students in the Netherlands during my stay in
Amsterdam. Thanks to my debut at Carnegie Hall, I have become, as a jazz pianist, one of the youngest Steinway Artists in the world.
The Trust gave me invaluable real world experience that will affect my professional and personal outlook on everything for the rest of my life. They
have helped me to understand the value of integrity, wisdom and experience. They have also given me true insight in what it take to be a
businessman. Through their efforts, I am sure that they will succeed in helping many more gifted young artists who have yet to get their “feet wet”
so to speak.
~ Jonathan Batiste, Jazz pianist, New Orleans, New York City
