For the month of January, I've been trying not to obnoxiously overwhelm everyone with requests to vote for KTC for a $5000 grant via the Moonshare Program. But, the requests have been there and I've been silently fretting that our sponsored posts and pleas wouldn't be enough to get the votes we needed to win.
Yesterday, I found out that we were one of the top 12 groups meaning that at some point this year, we'll receive $5000 to use for our youth program.
I don't think it is a secret that KTC has struggled for a few years to build a youth program that reflects our organization and our mission and vision. We've tried a few things and they did okay but finding the best way to make a difference was very important.
The idea for the Knoxville Youth Runs program was in development when I returned as the Interim ED. The program was launched in 2015 by volunteers and other than paying for the supplies, I didn't have a big hand in getting that site up and running.
Last spring after listening to our volunteer coaches describe the pilot program's success, we decided it was time to grow. I reached out to a friend at Great Schools Partnership to discuss how we could move into more schools. That meeting led to more meetings and we grew. Currently we are being emailed weekly with requests to grow more. Our volunteer program director has worked tirelessly to make sure that each site has what it needs and that we're doing a good job.
We don't charge for the program. These kids come from single parent homes or homes in which both parents work multiple jobs. These kids need the opportunity to participate without tryouts and cuts and to be given a chance to learn the basics of running and some basic life skills. Some of them don't even have shoes to run in. That hurts my heart and I'll personally buy shoes for these kiddos if need be.
I was involved in the launch of every program site last fall and I know that this is a good, solid program. I've seen some of these kids struggle to make one lap (200M for most of them) and I've seen them beam with joy when they can continuously run that same circle the next week.
Today is a good day at work. Today my heart is full knowing that I've got some funding to offset some of the cost of providing this program. And I owe this happiness to all of the people who took a few minutes every day to vote for KTC. I thank you and I know that our kids thank you!
If you'd like to donate directly to the program, please follow the link below. Every single dollar goes directly to providing program supplies, coach materials, t-shirts, medals, and incentive behaviors.
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