Honoring a Legacy: The Creative Happiness Institute's Bold Move to Support Arts in Volusia County

A Tribute to Creativity and Legacy

In the heart of Volusia County, a beacon of creativity and mentorship shines brightly as the Creative Happiness Institute (CHI) announces a significant fundraising campaign. With a goal to raise $200,000, this initiative is not just about funds but about continuing the impactful legacy of Dr. David B. Axelrod, the recently deceased co-poet laureate of Volusia County. Founded by Axelrod himself, CHI stands as a testament to his lifelong dedication to teaching, mentoring, and promoting local poets and artists.

The Axelrod Tribute: A Community Gathering

Mark your calendars for September 6, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., as the community comes together at the Dr. Noble “Thin Man” Watts Amphitheatre for an Axelrod tribute that promises to be a blend of remembrance, artistry, and inspiration. This event is not just an opportunity to commemorate Axelrod's contributions but also a moment for local artists and poets to showcase their talents, share memories, and celebrate the influence of a man who dedicated his life to the arts. With an open mic list, live jazz music by Jim Graves, and a poetry slam competition following the tribute, the event is a vibrant showcase of the community’s creative spirit.

Organized with the support of the African American Museum of the Arts, attendees are encouraged to RSVP, ensuring a place in this unique gathering that honors Axelrod's memory and contributions. The event will be emceed by Axelrod’s son, Dr. Dan Axelrod, and Dr. Rajni Shankar-Brown, ensuring a personal and heartfelt tribute to Axelrod's legacy.

Continuing Axelrod’s Legacy

The fundraising campaign seeks to endow the David B. Axelrod Memorial Endowment Fund, a significant step in ensuring the sustainability of Axelrod’s vision. This endowment will support CHI’s ongoing activities, including the Young Poets Mentoring Program, poetry slams, readings, and publishing efforts. Notably, Axelrod’s estate is transferring control of the five-decade-old, poetry-focused independent imprint Writers Ink Press to CHI, a move that promises to keep Axelrod’s spirit alive in the literary world.

Axelrod’s life was marked by his dedication to using poetry and the arts to promote happiness, healing, and health. His influence extended beyond his poetry, touching lives through his teaching, mentorship, and philanthropy. CHI, under the leadership of Anthony Ehrlich and supported by a committed board of directors, aims to carry forward this mission, ensuring that Axelrod’s legacy of creativity, laughter, love, and artistic fellowship continues to enrich the community.

Dr. David B. Axelrod's life was a testament to the power of the arts to inspire, heal, and connect us. As CHI embarks on this fundraising campaign, it's more than just about reaching a financial goal; it's about building a lasting tribute to a man whose life’s work was grounded in the belief that creativity fosters well-being. By supporting this initiative, we not only honor Axelrod’s memory but also contribute to a future where poetry and the arts continue to thrive in Volusia County and beyond. In this spirit of creativity and community, we are reminded of the enduring impact of one individual's passion and dedication to the arts.