Jamie Minacci, an active community leader and special education teacher, and Thomas Manisero, an attorney and longtime arts supporter, have been connected to CATA for almost two decades. As members of CATA’s Loyalty Circle—donors who support CATA year in and year out—they believe deeply in making our community more inclusive.
We spoke with Jamie and Thomas about why CATA matters to them.
How did you first get involved with CATA?
Jamie: I first encountered Community Access to the Arts fifteen years ago in my work as a special education teacher, when CATA Faculty Artist Pat Hogan came to my classroom to lead painting workshops. Each week, I watched my students grow more focused, engaged, and deeply proud of the artwork they created. It was a transformative experience for us all!
My daughters and I began attending CATA’s Annual Performance matinee every Mother’s Day, and it quickly became a cherished tradition that brings us so much joy. When I introduced CATA to Thomas, becoming donors was a natural next step in our shared commitment to supporting the arts and our community.
How have you seen CATA making a difference in our community?
Jamie: CATA creates empowering opportunities for people with disabilities to share their voices — whether that’s through painting, dancing, singing, acting, writing, or any other number of art forms. The warm, supportive environment gives our neighbors with disabilities a place to genuinely be themselves, and to find joy and connection. We all need that, don’t we?
At a CATA performance, you can cry or laugh — you can feel everything you feel and let it out without judgment. CATA artists put their whole hearts into their work and that is deeply inspiring. CATA makes it possible for everyone in the community to come together and celebrate one another in all our beautiful differences.
Why do you choose to give to CATA—and why do you hope others will, too?
Thomas: Of all the arts organizations I’ve supported in my lifetime, CATA stands out for its ability to stay true to its mission even as it continues to grow in response to community demand. We all have an obligation to give back to our communities, and CATA is a vibrant, vital part of ours. We want to see it thrive for years to come.
CATA artists, families, and caregivers report that CATA has a profound impact on their lives:
- Increased confidence & sense of belonging
- Strengthened hand-eye coordination and mobility
- Reduced stress and improved mental health
- Healthier, more fulfilling lives!
Join Jamie and Thomas — make a gift to support CATA artists with disabilities:
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