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The Mimi Fishman Foundation is a volunteer-administered, fan-driven non-profit dedicated to raising funds for a diverse range of charitable organizations that each, in some way, touched the life of our founder Mimi Fishman. Mother to Phish's drummer Jon Fishman; Mimi established the Foundation with the idea that partnering with bands like Phish could truly influence charitable giving and philanthropic engagement. Organizations supported by the Foundation are focused on the health and wellbeing of children and families with a particular emphasis on visual impairment. Inspired by one woman's life journey, the Foundation lives on through the work of co-founder David Shulman and a small group of volunteers dedicated to Mimi's mission.
Since 1999, the Foundation has raised over $500,000 utilizing an online auction system that provides supporters and fans rare opportunities to win unique pieces of merchandise, equipment and concert experiences. For over a decade, these auctions have served as an innovative funding solution while generating a reputation for being a key resource for rock memorabilia collectors. The Foundation works closely with bands like Phish, The String Cheese Incident, Yonder Mountain String Band, moe. and Umphrey's McGee to provide highly sought-after auction items. Funds raised through the ongoing auctions enable the Foundation to make charitable contributions to organizations and nonprofits that are working to benefit the health and wellbeing of children and families. The Foundation also works nonprofits such as Conscious Alliance, Rock The Earth, and The WaterWheel Foundation to allow them to utilize the online auction system to raise funds for causes aligned with the Foundation's mission.
In 2001, the Foundation awarded its first grant to The Boulder County Safehouse; a place that provides safe shelter, support and advocacy for battered women and their children. Staying true to a mission of helping families and children, the Foundation has provided funding for Healing the Children, Solace House, YMCA's Partners Program and the Evangelical Children's Home. The Foundation's special interest in impacting organizations focused on visual impairment and disease, has helped raise funds for The American Glaucoma Society and launched The Mimi Fishman Adventure Camp at the Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments. The Foundation has developed a special relationship with the Delta Gamma Center; not only supporting the camp, the Foundation has also funded a music therapy room named after Mimi. Each of these organizations represents a cause or initiative that was dear to Mimi's heart.
For many years before the Foundation was formally organized, Mimi spent time speaking across the Nation to raise awareness about glaucoma. Diagnosed with this disease at a young age, Mimi was deeply committed to educating the public about the importance of early testing and treatment. Mimi's condition never slowed her down and was often seen dancing away the night at live Phish shows. While it saddens us to report that Mimi passed away in early 2001, her passion and commitment to giving lives on through the work of The Mimi Fishman Foundation.
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