Orange County Philanthropist Challenges Others...
05/16/09 08:50
Orange County Philanthropist Challenges Others to Give
Orange County Philanthropist Challenges Others to Give
“This $200,000 donation to Team Kids is an investment that won’t disappear.”
Irvine, CA – April 22, 2009 – It may be tough to get a good deal in the stock market these days, but Newport Beach philanthropist Kelly Smith says, “The real investment value is in our children. That’s why I’ve continued to support Team Kids. It’s the highest impact, most innovative youth-focused organization I’ve found.”
Smith donated $200,000 to Team Kids, the Orange County nonprofit that brings partners from both law enforcement and firefighters into elementary schools to get kids involved as young community leaders at an early age.
“When my children came home from school and told me they were helping Team Kids collect food, clothing and books for kids who needed them, I offered to help,” said Smith. “They told me they didn’t need my help. They were doing it themselves. That’s how I learned about Team Kids, and its innovative programs continue to inspire me.”
During the past eight years, more than 21,000 students have participated in the Team Kids Challenge, helping others and sending the funds and resources they’ve raised to community organizations.
“Every can of food and toy donated or penny raised by kids during our school-based Team Kids Challenge program goes to youth-serving charities,” said Team Kids founder & CEO Julie Hudash. “That’s why the organization itself depends on the generosity of amazing people like Kelly. We’ve included more schools in Team Kids’ programs, even though we don’t have the resources to bring our programs to all the schools that have requested them.”
As Smith explained, “Giving to Team Kids amplifies the return I get on my investment. Each time the Team Kids Challenge goes to a school, up to five charities receive the benefits. On top of that, the kids in the program see themselves as powerful community leaders.
“Kelly’s gift is wonderful, and we continue to encourage other generous donations, both large and small, so we can expand the Team Kids Challenge throughout and beyond Orange County,” said Hudash.
“I’m challenging other donors to find their own path to help Team Kids, because I believe it is the best investment you can make right now,” said Smith. “Even in this economy, it’s important for those who can help not to hold back in our giving. We need to make our good intentions count,” Smith said, “and we need to preserve the optimism and certainty our children have that they can make a difference.”
Community members can learn more about Team Kids by attending its annual Imagine luncheon celebration on Sunday, May 3, at Il Fornaio Restaurant in Irvine. Go to www.teamkids.org for additional information.
About Team Kids
Team Kids strengthens innovative community collaborations that empower young people to become resilient and responsible citizens with a passion for service through its school-based and community-wide programs. While serving, students develop the values and skills that enable them to make positive choices in their own lives, while making a difference in the lives of others. For more information, visit the Team Kids Web site: www.teamkids.org
“This $200,000 donation to Team Kids is an investment that won’t disappear.”
Irvine, CA – April 22, 2009 – It may be tough to get a good deal in the stock market these days, but Newport Beach philanthropist Kelly Smith says, “The real investment value is in our children. That’s why I’ve continued to support Team Kids. It’s the highest impact, most innovative youth-focused organization I’ve found.”
Smith donated $200,000 to Team Kids, the Orange County nonprofit that brings partners from both law enforcement and firefighters into elementary schools to get kids involved as young community leaders at an early age.
“When my children came home from school and told me they were helping Team Kids collect food, clothing and books for kids who needed them, I offered to help,” said Smith. “They told me they didn’t need my help. They were doing it themselves. That’s how I learned about Team Kids, and its innovative programs continue to inspire me.”
During the past eight years, more than 21,000 students have participated in the Team Kids Challenge, helping others and sending the funds and resources they’ve raised to community organizations.
“Every can of food and toy donated or penny raised by kids during our school-based Team Kids Challenge program goes to youth-serving charities,” said Team Kids founder & CEO Julie Hudash. “That’s why the organization itself depends on the generosity of amazing people like Kelly. We’ve included more schools in Team Kids’ programs, even though we don’t have the resources to bring our programs to all the schools that have requested them.”
As Smith explained, “Giving to Team Kids amplifies the return I get on my investment. Each time the Team Kids Challenge goes to a school, up to five charities receive the benefits. On top of that, the kids in the program see themselves as powerful community leaders.
“Kelly’s gift is wonderful, and we continue to encourage other generous donations, both large and small, so we can expand the Team Kids Challenge throughout and beyond Orange County,” said Hudash.
“I’m challenging other donors to find their own path to help Team Kids, because I believe it is the best investment you can make right now,” said Smith. “Even in this economy, it’s important for those who can help not to hold back in our giving. We need to make our good intentions count,” Smith said, “and we need to preserve the optimism and certainty our children have that they can make a difference.”
Community members can learn more about Team Kids by attending its annual Imagine luncheon celebration on Sunday, May 3, at Il Fornaio Restaurant in Irvine. Go to www.teamkids.org for additional information.
About Team Kids
Team Kids strengthens innovative community collaborations that empower young people to become resilient and responsible citizens with a passion for service through its school-based and community-wide programs. While serving, students develop the values and skills that enable them to make positive choices in their own lives, while making a difference in the lives of others. For more information, visit the Team Kids Web site: www.teamkids.org
