http://www.GlassArtMagazine.com Glass Art TM • May/June 2016 • 31Cash says financial need is always the greatest. An amputee, for
example, receives Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI),
a form of life insurance for a severe injury. But the VA and Depart-
ment of Defense (DOD) do not cover a lot of the expenses in mak-
ing the transition back to civilian life. OFF helps with everything
from paying mortgages and rent to subsidizing auto loans, utility
payments, and food bills. “Nearly all veterans who have traumatic
injury need urgent assistance in these areas,” he says.
OFF recently resolved a case for a prisoner of war who had been
captured in a Middle Eastern country and tortured for three days. The
VA installed a handicap-accessible shower in the soldier’s trailer,
a home he shares with his wife and four children. A year after the
shower was installed it began to leak, and mold developed in the
home. “We gave them a grant based on monies raised by Dr. Laura’s
recent Valentine’s Boutique and immediately got contractors in there
to repair the shower and deal with the mold. We partner with other
local organizations such as the American Legion and also the VA
case manager to develop a solution.”
Dr. Laura’s Glass Taking OFF by Storm
Fundraising for OFF became a much easier prospect once Dr.
Laura was on board. Initially, she and the Cashes traveled around
the country at their own expense promoting the organization at
biker events, primarily because bikers are known for their fund-
raising nature and dedication to the country’s veterans. Eventually
Dr. Laura had the idea, “Why not use my skill as a glass artist to
make and sell my work to benefit OFF?” Her fans would be able to
own a piece created by Dr. Laura’s hands and rest assured that the
proceeds would benefit a great cause.
Dr. Laura now sponsors online boutique sales of her fused glass
and jewelry three times a year—Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and
her upcoming sale in May for Mother’s Day. People who belong to
the “Dr. Laura Family” by signing up on her website get first dibs.
Though the boutiques run for seven days, one-third of the works are
usually sold the first day. Dr. Laura packs all of the boxes herself.
“I don’t let anybody else pack my babies.” She also pays for all of
the photography of her artwork seen online and any travel expenses
required for her work with OFF.
Beyond the sale of her artwork, Dr. Laura continues to devise
and promote events to raise money for people in need. In March
2016, she rented a 200-seat movie theater in the Sherman Oaks
area of Los Angeles, California, where Casablanca was shown.
Following the movie, Dr. Laura herself hosted a Q&A, with all
proceeds going to OFF.
And it’s not just members of the military who have benefitted
from her philanthropy. Two years ago, two fans donated $11,000
each to have lunch with Dr. Laura and cruise on her sailboat. All
proceeds were donated to the family of the late David Alcala, be-
loved glass artist.Dr. Laura Schlessinger,
Dragonflies’ Flight,
11-3/4" x 6", 2015.Dr. Laura Schlessinger,
Icicle Brilliance,
2‑5/8", 2015.