According to Dallas Afterschool CEO Christina Hanger,
Recess, the signature fundraising event for Dallas Afterschool was cancelled due to concerns over COVID-19. This unique fundraiser designed to help adults “return to the playground” was scheduled for March 27th at The Empire Room where we were expecting over 300 attendees. Proceeds from Recess benefit our work with over 150 afterschool programs that impact 14,000 Dallas County students. We are focused on making afterschool better through staff training, engaging programs and support for literacy and STEM learning. Thankfully, our Recess guests and sponsors have stayed in place with donations in lieu of cancellation, leaving us with just a $50,000 shortfall.
We have moved our programs to an online model with online training and resources for afterschool programs. We have been reaching out to partners and working to match them to food resources, technology to assist kids in distance learning and other supplies.
In a time when there is so much uncertainty, when people are losing jobs and businesses, and friends and neighbors are in harm’s way, it can be insensitive to ask for donations. We are grateful and humbled by those that have supported us and respectfully ask for your help as we move forward in a post COVID-19 world. Here’s how you can help us close the gap while providing essential help for afterschool programs, educators and students:
- Donations of thermometers
- Amazon gift cards to be used for cleaning and educational supplies for programs
- Support afterschool educators that have been laid-off by hiring or referring them as virtual tutors for students (e-mail [email protected])
- Cash donations to fund these operations.
As always, we are here to support our afterschool partners and 14,000 of the most vulnerable children in our community. Thanks for being here for us.
* Graphic and photo provided by Dallas Afterschool