Help Group Establishes the David Shapiro Sharif Creative Arts Endowed Fund

A Lasting Legacy of Creativity, Connection, and Hope

Help Group is honored to announce the creation of the David Shapiro Sharif Creative Arts Endowed Fund, a permanent legacy established by Karen Shapiro and Syud Sharif in honor of their son, David Shapiro Sharif, a former Help Group student, whose life reflected the transformative power of creativity, imagination, and self-expression. 

More than a fund, this is a deeply personal and visionary commitment, one rooted in love, remembrance, and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

During his time at Help Group, David found connection, confidence, and joy through the arts. Music, storytelling, theater, and creative expression became powerful ways for him to communicate, build relationships, and share his unique spirit with the world. Karen and Syud hope this endowed fund will now create those same opportunities for future generations of students across Help Group’s schools and programs.

“David expressed himself so beautifully through the arts,” said Karen Shapiro. “Creativity gave him confidence, joy, and connection. Our hope is that this fund helps other young people discover their own voice, their own sense of belonging, and the courage to express who they truly are.”

“This fund is about carrying David’s spirit forward,” added Syud Sharif. “He had a remarkable imagination and a deep sensitivity that came alive through creative expression. We wanted to create something enduring—something that would continue opening doors for students long into the future.”

The David Shapiro Sharif Creative Arts Endowed Fund is the first endowed fund of its kind at Help Group and represents a milestone in the organization’s commitment to long-term sustainability and transformational impact. 

The fund will provide ongoing support for arts and enrichment programming, including theater, music, dance, visual arts, creative writing, student performances, teaching artists, and specialized creative experiences that are often among the most meaningful—and most vulnerable to funding gaps. 

For students with autism, learning differences, ADHD, and other special needs, the arts can be life-changing. Creative expression can become a bridge to communication, confidence, emotional growth, and human connection when words are difficult or traditional pathways feel out of reach.

“Every day, we see how the arts unlock confidence, self-expression, and possibility for the young people we serve,” said Dr. Susan Berman, President and CEO of Help Group. “Karen and Syud have created something truly extraordinary, a legacy that will continue to nurture creativity, healing, and belonging for generations to come. This fund reflects the very heart of Help Group’s mission and the enduring light of David’s life.”

As part of this enduring tribute, Help Group will also establish the David Shapiro Sharif Creative Expression Award, presented annually to a graduating student who demonstrates courage, imagination, and authenticity through artistic expression. 

The creation of this endowed fund also launches a new chapter in Help Group’s philanthropic future, one focused on building permanent, sustainable resources that ensure transformative programs remain available for years to come.

Support the David Shapiro Sharif Creative Arts Endowed Fund

Help Group invites families, friends, and community members to honor David’s legacy by contributing to the David Shapiro Sharif Creative Arts Endowed Fund. Gifts to the fund will create permanent support for creative arts programming, ensuring students can continue to discover confidence, connection, and their own creative voice for generations to come. Because the fund is endowed, its principal will be invested to provide lasting annual support for creative arts programming, ensuring David’s legacy continues to benefit students for generations.

Honor David’s Legacy

“I’ve had the opportunity to learn from some amazing teachers and therapists who have helped me become who I am today.”

Those were David Shapiro Sharif’s words as Help Group’s Class of 2015 valedictorian. In that same speech, he thanked the community that had supported him, saying, “You have instilled in us the self-confidence needed to reach our dreams.”

The David Shapiro Sharif Creative Arts Endowed Fund honors David’s life and legacy by helping ensure that future generations of Help Group students have the support, encouragement, and opportunities to discover their potential and pursue their own dreams.

We invite you to honor David’s legacy with a gift to the David Shapiro Sharif Creative Arts Endowed Fund, helping carry forward the support that meant so much to him.