Blue Sky Fund – Outward Bound Together
To support a group of ten 9th grade girls in their endeavor to address low literacy rates in struggling areas of Richmond. The girls will read to students at six area elementary schools and share a book they wrote designed to promote a sense of unity between girls of all different races. They will also hold after-school programs for students who need additional help.
Camp Diva – 2nd Annual Date with Dad
To fund a “Date with Dad” dance involving over 100 families in the Richmond area hosted by Camp Diva. The goal of the program is to establish bonds between fathers and daughters and promote the influence of good male role models in their lives. Ten youth participants will gain leadership skills through hosting, planning and organizing the event.
Easter Seals Virginia – Project SUCCESS
To support Project SUCCESS, which brings together youth with and without disabilities to participate in a variety of community service projects picked by youth participants. Such projects include hosting and running a Holiday store in nursing homes, participating in neighborhood clean-ups and other yard work, providing seasonal decoration at the Children’s Hospital and collecting donations for the Humane Society.
HARPS Foundation
To support an outreach initiative that partners harp students as mentors to youth with disabilities through the Harp Therapy Outreach Program and youth from disadvantaged circumstances through the Boys & Girls Club Ensemble.
James River High School - Athletes Who Care
To support a club program that will encourage high school athletes to develop alternate plans post-high school and will emphasize the importance of family and academics for students who typically rely too much on athletics. A lunch session will take place at James River High School and will feature three former professional athletes that will speak about their high school and careers.
Richmond Outreach Center – The Chosen
To support The Chosen youth group’s efforts to spread hope in the lower-income areas of Richmond. The three main components include attending a leadership camp experience for members; advertising for an annual dance competition involving low-income neighborhood kids as well as the Chosen members; and purchasing and distributing ice cream to low-income neighborhoods.
Zion Chester A.M.E. – Smiling Faces
Through this project, 20 students from Richmond schools will collaborate after school two hours per week to make gifts for sick persons and shut-ins identified by local churches. Every month, the same group of students will learn life skills or go on a field trip to explore their leadership potential.
