Bedford 9-year-old Writes Comics to Help Disabled Kids

When Garrett Kaufmann heard about MAC on the Today Show he wasn’t sure he knew what it was except for knowing the Old McDonald song. A Bedford, New York resident and new fourth grader, Garrett is a big fan of the trombone dancer, Jonathan Arons. He happened to watch Mr. Arons on a recent Today Show where Arons talked about being a finalist in America’s Got Talent, saying that if he had won the prize money it would go to his favorite charity. That was the Melody Arons Center for Applied Preschool Research and Education, MAC, based in Teaneck, New Jersey and named after his multiply disabled sister, Melody Arons. Garrett heard for the first time that babies and young children, 0-5, could be handicapped and needed special help. He decided to do something to help them.

Garrett loves to draw comic books. He had the idea to draw special comic books to sell as a fundraiser to help MAC help more infants and toddlers. On the day after he saw Arons talk about MAC, it was his turn to be “Principal for a Day” at his West Patent Elementary School. He explained to his principal that he wanted the entire school to work on the comic books so that everybody could help raise money for the little children who needed special help. Three of his classmates agreed and so began the Garrett Comic Book Project for MAC. In addition to the comics, some of the illustrations will be used as future Christmas cards to sell during the holiday season. He contacted MAC, a not for profit corporation. They gave their approval, and the project has begun.

Garrett also plays the euphonium. He explains it is a very unique instrument that sounds a little like a tuba. His favorite television entertainer is Mr. Arons. Garrett has watched all of Arons’ YouTube videos and works on copying many of the trombone dancer steps. He has one sister, Noelle. His parents are Rod and Nicolle Kaufmann. His grandparents are Frank and Bonnie Haymson of Mt. Kisco, New York.