We’ll be sharing a link to a holiday event held on this past Saturday at American Legion park where these organizations gave out over 750 to the children attending the party. It was great fun experiencing the reactions to all the toys, food, and fellowship. Thanks to Camille Jones and all her volunteers at Hands2Help for putting on this event, now in its 11^th year of existence.

Happy Holidays!

Marty

For those of you that had conflicts this year, we will be doing it again in 12 months. Have a wonderful holiday!  May all your dreams come true

Dear Marty,

You were most kind for your matching contribution of $1,250.00 for our Summer Camp kids’ field trip to Walt Disney World. I am told that they had a wonderful time and they are grateful for your generosity.

Enclosed are photos for your enjoyment as well as a very heartfelt thank you letter from Natalia Sulca…

Gratefully,

Virginia A. Jacko, President and Chief Executive Officer

Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired

We found the thank you note from one of the children who went on this exciting trip to be particularly touching, and the photos speak for themselves. Ros would have loved seeing them.

(Click the image above for larger view)

The Foundation will be dividing all proceeds among the following grantees; Women’s Fund of Miami- Dade, Hands2Help, Inc, Stars Academy and Handy, Inc.

On behalf of all of us at the Foundation, we wish you happy holidays!

Moriah gives back to the community by mentoring at the Stars Academy at Broward College, where she was once a mentee. Moriah has been a member of the STARS Academy family since she was in the 6th grade. Moriah knew that she wanted to go to college, but didn’t know how she was going to support herself and attend college at the same time. So when she graduated from the STARS Academy as a mentee and transitioned out of foster care, she continued her education at Broward College with help from the STARS Academy and various community organizations.

Moriah is currently a senior at Florida Atlantic University. She will graduate in May 2010 with a Bachelors Degree in Multimedia Studies, specializing in Film and Video, and with a minor in Anthropology. With this degree, Moriah wants to combine the art of filmmaking and Anthropology. Currently, Moriah works for a closed circuit television station. Her ultimate goal is to work for a television channel such as Discovery Channel, Travel Channel, or the History Channel. Moriah is continuously makes strides towards her goal as she films, edits and broadcasts to a community where she transmits to about 8,000 residents. Other than school and work, Moriah enjoys hanging out with her family and friends, making short independent films, reading, writing poetry and listening to music.

Shanice will be entering the 12th grade at Dillard High school in the fall of 2010. Shanice has been with the STARS Academy since she was in the 9th grade. The STARS Academy has taught Shanice how to understand her negative emotions and how to respond appropriately to unpleasant situations. Shanice’s “cantankerous” attitude is slowly dissipating. Shanice’s vocabulary has greatly improved since starting with the STARS Academy. However, she concedes that building her vocabulary is always a work in progress.

Shanice is a recent recipient of a scholarship from the Broward College Foundation for her community services and volunteer efforts. Shanice reports, “At one time I was unsure if I would ever go to college; it is expensive and I didn’t know if my mother could afford it.” The STARS Academy not only helps Shanice academically but also emotionally. Shanice enjoys spending Saturdays with her STARS Academy family. She has been most inspired by touring Nova Southeastern Broad Sheppard Law Library and participating in the STARS Academy Annual Mock Trial.