As 2010 comes to a close, we would like to take the opportunity to update you on the unbelievable year we had before we move forward on the New Year. Many of you helped us to achieve more than we could ever dream of, so we want to pause for a moment and let you know how grateful we are for your support.
Having the right people onboard is crucial to every organization. We were thrilled to bring on two new board members: Stu Larking and Scott Speranza. We also were able to hire Anwar Shariff as our new Program Director in January. // read more // and more
In February of this year we brought on a consultancy company, Ideation. Their involvement was crucial for us to grow as an organization and we are thankful for all of their help.
We completed one of the most ambitious projects ShareFest has taken on in a single year. What would have cost LA Unified School District $400,000 to build, ShareFest completed for $16,000 through the efforts of our generous volunteers. This plaza is now a symbol of what can happen when a community comes together. // read more
On May 2nd, over 5,000 volunteers were mobilized to complete 335 projects in just 8 hours. Our Workday saved cities and schools over $1,000,000. // read more
Over 160 middle school students were empowered to become the leaders of tomorrow at our Summer Youth Development Academy, and also over 120 high school students in our Year-Round Youth Development Academy at Avalon Continuation School. // read more
“This has probably been the most difficult year we have ever faced … however, due to ShareFest’s work, our school – comprised of 100 precent ‘at-risk kids – has thrived! Thanks to ShareFest we’ve had our largest graduating class and our highest percentage of proficiency on the California High School Exit Exams” – Regina Awtry, Principal, Avalon High School // read more // and more //and more
On Thursday, December 16th ShareFest, Toyota and Fries Ave. Elementary School partnered together to distribute over 100 gifts to students at Fries Ave. Elementary School.
We worked with a group of Peninsula High School students to establish a ShareFest Club in which they will educate, connect, and mobilize Peninsula HS and its students to look beyond their school and see the opportunities to help other fellow students in underserved communities. Look for great things to happen through this group in the new year.
Partnerships encourage a series of characteristics – trust, teamwork and a regard for someone else. There is no way we could accomplish all that we do without our partners and sponsors. Words cannot express how thankful we are to be working with so many caring organizations.
Toyota was kind enough to donate a 2011 Prius for us to raffle off in 2011. ShareFest is the first new organization that they have given to in over 3 years. // more details
We lost two amazing people from the ShareFest Family this year from cancer. To honor Mary Ann’s contribution to her community for many years to come, we announced that ShareFest is donating $2500 toward the creation of a park in Mary Ann’s honor that will be located in Harbor Gateway. To honor Jeff’s contribution to the community, and his commitment to his family, we announced that ShareFest is donating a total of $2500 toward scholarships for Jeff’s daughters, Kayla and Natalie.
Since ShareFest began we have mobilized over 30,000 volunteers who have provided over $6 million in work for our cities and schools during our annual Workdays. ShareFest has been able to serve and mentor over 600 underserved youth through our Youth Development Academy to become future leaders in our communities. None of this would have been possible without your support.
Thank you all!
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