Wish List

On a regular basis, and several times recently, we have been asked how people can help and what we need... other than monetary gifts. Since it is the season of giving, we decided to create a list of our immediate needs. 

Please know that we appreciate any item you have that may help our students. 

The need for snacks/drinks is ongoing, as we give our students a snack during each session. Also, we will gladly accept gently used games or items for the kids, and we're willing to pick the items up! Please contact us if you're interested in helping us with any of the items below.

Games/Items for Kids
corn hole

board games

construction paper

poster board

electric pencil sharpener

bean bag chairs

books

chapter books (ages 11-14)

comic books

drawing books

Snacks

Pretzels
Chips

Cookies

Popcorn

Animal Crackers

Cases of bottled water/juice boxes

Your gifts help our students...

Dear Friends:

Did you know that our youth have a much higher success rate when they have contact with all important aspects of their future at an earlier age, including family, school, and community, among others? We’ve read the formal studies, such as “America’s Youth: Transitions to Adulthood” (2011) and “Dropout Rates” (2014), from the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences and the National Center for Educational Statistics; they remind us why we’re here, but it’s not enough.

More important than any study we could show you is the true story of our oldest student. He is a young man with a bright future, but he had to be guided to the right path. When he came to us in November (2013), he was a quiet, unmotivated middle school boy, who had been informed he would be held back. According to society, the odds are against this young, black male, with a father who is not in the picture and a mother who works a less than ideal schedule to make ends meet for him and his younger brother; but, gradually, he came out of his shell, participated in activities both at the foundation and school, began reading, playing basketball and football, and sharing his words and artwork with us. At the foundation, he has two mentors. One of our new mentors at the foundation visits him one day a week; currently, they are reading The Other Wes Moore together and are having thoughtful conversations about overcoming adversity. The mentor he was paired with earlier on has become such an important role in his life that he attended a Father’s Recognition Day at his school to show his dedication to being present in his life. Today, a year from when we first met him, we are happy to report that he has made Honor Roll! He has become a leader to our younger students and has no doubt that God plays a vital role in his life and yours.

The Brandon Foundation continues to work hard at becoming a well-known fixture in the Fort Wayne Community; we are dedicated to our youth – our future leaders, and we provide the early exposure to “aspects of future life.” Students learn about the importance of family, school, and community by being surrounded by people who commit to their success, support them in their studies, and participate alongside them in community projects.

Thanks to contributors like you, we have been able to offer programs and experiences to our students that help them stay on the right path and realize they can be successful – in school and in the community. As we continue to grow and offer our services to more students, your gifts are so important. By donating and supporting The Brandon Foundation, you promise to make an immediate impact on our community – our future leaders. There is no study that will repay you, but the smiles and success stories of students like our oldest above is a start.

Truly, there is no donation too small. If you are able, please visit our blog by clicking here to send your gift today. Please feel free to share this letter with friends, families, or businesses to keep us in mind as they consider any year-end giving. Remember, The Brandon Foundation is a 501(c)3, so all donations are tax deductible.

 

Blessings to you and your family during this holiday season!

Derrick Jackson, a guest speaker, who spoke to our kids about perseverance and hope.

Giving Tuesday!

Black Friday. Cyber Monday. Giving Tuesday?

Who knew? The Brandon Foundation just learned about this wonderful day, and we would like to share it with you!

Each year, millions of people kick off their holiday season with days devoted to spending money. In 2012, Giving Tuesday was created by 92nd Street Y (a community center in New York) and the United Nations Foundation as a way to remind us what the holiday season is truly about -- giving thanks and giving back. 

With social media hashtags such as #greatgiving, #unselfie, and #GivingTuesday, supporters can follow others' projects, experiences, and pledges for various communities.

Can you help us? Will you consider The Brandon Foundation as your project and pledge to support us? If you can, click on the "Donate Now" button at the top of our blog's homepage, and, if you can't donate now or participate in Giving Tuesday, please share our link and help us spread the word about The Brandon Foundation AND #GivingTuesday.

Click here to support us today!

This is only the beginning.

It is hard to believe that today and tomorrow are our last days at The Brandon Foundation for the 2013-14 school year. Time truly does fly when you're having fun...

As we bring our first year to an end, though, we know that it is not an ending at all. Over the past 9 months, we have learned what we are capable of, what our potential is, that God does and will provide, and that we are exactly where we need to be, doing exactly what we should. It is only the beginning...

The children of the foundation plan to return in the fall, allowing us to strengthen our bonds and work with them academically and socially and in faith. The love this group has for each other, among their peers and their mentors, is a love that cannot be broken. In fact, many students are saddened by the "summer break" and look forward to when we will see each other again, which is why we have several summer activities planned for the students individually and as a group. Be sure to watch our Facebook page for updates and news!

We cannot thank you enough! Your support was been astounding! In fact, we are almost sold out of tickets to our dinner and silent auction fundraising event in August, so if you planned to attend, please contact us right away:  brandonfoundation@hotmail.com. Have an amazing summer!

 

 

 

Planning for our future!

Dear Friends,

The Brandon Foundation will be hosting a fundraising event, including a dinner and silent auction, on Saturday, August 9, 2014. The event will be held at Main Street Bistro & Martini Lounge (200 E. Main St., Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46802). The doors will open at 6:00 pm; dinner will begin at 7:00 pm.     

The Brandon Foundation formed from a dream and opened its doors in August 2013. Quickly, we have gained the support of surrounding businesses, organizations, and families, and as we continue to grow, we need your help. It is your support that allows us to guide our students into becoming the successful young men and women we know they can be.

Would you consider helping our efforts? You can help make this a successful event by donating an item, gift certificate, a service, or a monetary gift. Your tax deductible contribution will make it possible for the children of The Brandon Foundation to grow, pursue opportunities, and develop as future community leaders.   

As a supporter of The Brandon Foundation, your company name will be inserted in the evening’s program so that we may thank you for your donation. The program will be viewed by an anticipated 100 attendees from the Fort Wayne community.

You may also be interested in sponsoring a table for our guests that evening. Your company or organization name will be displayed and thanked on your table so all attendees will recognize your valued contribution to help raise money for students’ futures.

We appreciate your consideration. Any donation in support of The Brandon Foundation will be well-received; no gift is too small. Donations may be mailed or dropped off to The Brandon Foundation, using the directions on the attached form. If you have an item that needs to be picked up, please call Melissa Hirsch at (260) 348-9504 to make arrangements. If we have not heard from you by June 30, 2014, we will give you a courtesy reminder call. God’s blessings to you!

Sincerely with thanks,

Caty Holm, Founder, and

The Brandon Foundation Board of Directors

brandonfoundation@hotmail.com

Marching into March...

Despite the cold temperatures, we're holding our heads high and marching proudly into the month of March.

January and February gave us a few challenges. The snow caused a handful of cancellations, but it didn't stop us from reaching our goals and learning about financial responsibility and our health and wellness.

Students have been "working" at The Brandon Foundation, earning "dollars" for doing their jobs. Their jobs are taken quite seriously; they're proud when they've completed a task. Many save their earnings for upcoming events. In January, they "bought" tickets to the Circus! This month, they've been saving for a trip to SkyZone!

At the last board meeting, board members began discussing some exciting events for the end of the year, summer, and fall. It's hard to believe our first year is more than halfway over. Check back in March for news on our future events!