Creative Happiness Institute Launches $200,000 Memorial Fund to Continue Poet Laureate's Legacy

The Creative Happiness Institute, a Daytona Beach-based nonprofit, has announced a $200,000 fundraising campaign to establish the David B. Axelrod Memorial Endowment Fund, ensuring continued support for poetry and arts initiatives throughout Volusia County. This effort honors Dr. David B. Axelrod, the county's recently deceased co-poet laureate, who founded the organization 16 years ago to teach, mentor, and promote local poets and artists. The fund will be unveiled at a tribute event scheduled for September 6 at the Dr. Noble "Thin Man" Watts Amphitheatre in DeLand, with space provided by the African American Museum of the Arts.

Dr. Axelrod's legacy is profound, having authored 25 poetry books and an award-winning biography while mentoring countless poets throughout his six-decade career. His work extended beyond writing; he successfully lobbied Florida's Legislature to resurrect a statewide poet laureate position and founded multiple literary initiatives, including Writers Ink Press, which is now being transferred to the Creative Happiness Institute. This press has published over 50 books by diverse poets, reflecting Axelrod's populist approach to poetry that focused on universal themes in a clear, accessible style.

The implications of this $200,000 endowment are significant for the local arts community. It will enable the Creative Happiness Institute to sustain programs such as the Young Poets Mentoring Program, poetry slams, readings, and publishing efforts that benefit schools, colleges, seniors, and veterans. These initiatives align with Axelrod's lifelong mission to use poetry and the arts to promote happiness, healing, and health, as emphasized by CHI President Anthony Ehrlich. The endowment ensures that Axelrod's vision of creativity and artistic fellowship continues to enrich lives in Volusia County, building on his appointments as poet laureate for both Volusia County and Suffolk County, New York.

By securing this funding, the Creative Happiness Institute not only preserves Axelrod's contributions but also reinforces the cultural infrastructure of the region, supporting future generations of poets and artists. The tribute event and subsequent poetry slam highlight the community's commitment to celebrating and advancing his legacy, underscoring the enduring importance of the arts in fostering connection and well-being.