The Davie Community Foundation SURF Board received Grant Requests for $6,698. On March 9th, they heard Grant Proposals for six different projects. After reviewing the requests, they voted to fund $5,930 toward the six projects.
The SURF Board worked hard to raise the money to fund their grants. On February 21st, they hosted their 4th Annual Popsicle 5K. One hundred thirty-seven runners signed up to participate in the run this year, and in spite of a very cold and snow covered morning; the race went off without a hitch! In addition to recruiting runners, the SURF Board sought sponsors for the race. This year, Foundation President and CEO, Jane Simpson, challenged the students to raise at least $5,000 in sponsors, and she would run in the raise. The students took the challenge to heart, and with the generosity of the community, raised a total of $7,300 in sponsorships.
SURF will impact many children and youth in Davie County with their Grant Awards this year. The following awards were made for 2015 –
Bike Safety Project – Garrett Penley and Boy Scout Troop 575 were awarded $1,000 to host a Bike Safety Day at Rich Park in April. The first twenty-five students to sign up will receive a coupon for a free bike helmet. The day will include instruction on the proper use and care of your bicycle, as well as how to mountain bike.
DHS Science Preparedness – Katelyn Sammons, Grace Cain and the Science Olympiad Team at Davie High were awarded $985 to pay for the fee to compete on the State level, and to host a Science Camp for middle school students this summer.
Hopping for Hope – Austin Lowery and Elaina Burr were awarded $585 to create Easter Baskets for the children at the Dragonfly House. These baskets will provide comfort, joy, and hope to children who have not experienced much joy or hope in their lives.
Summer Bags for Homeless – Allison Staley and the DHS National Honor Society were awarded $1,500 to create Summer Bags for the Homeless Students in Davie County. There are currently 105 students classified as homeless. The brightly colored bags will contain hygiene products and well as some toys and activities to entertain these students during the summer.
Davie Hair Drive – Molly Hartness, Grace Nixon, and the DHS Junior Civitans were awarded $300 for the 2015 Hair Drive to be held at Davie High on May 12th. The hair drive will collect eight inches or more of hair from participants to create wigs for cancer patients.
Stockings for School – Grace Cain and the Davie Hunger Fighters were awarded $1,560 to create stockings filled with school supplies for Middle School and High School Students in Davie County. This is the third year that this project has been funded, and local Guidance Counselors say that it makes a huge difference for these students.
On April 13th, the SURF Board will host their Big Check Celebration at the Davie Community Foundation at 6:30 pm, to present Big Checks to the 2015 recipients, and hear reports from the 2014 Grant recipients. The community is invited to attend.
For additional information, or questions about the SURF Board, please contact Tami Daniel at tdaniel@daviefoundation.org.
