Giving Report August 2015

Your Donations at Work May 2015

During the first quarter of 2015, $19,113.44 was given to assist at-risk teens and young adults who have aged out of foster care (between 18-21 years old) in Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola Counties. Details are listed below, but first we want to let you know how your donations positively impact the youth in our community and particularly the following young person:

Mike was a victim of sexual abuse in his own home and never knew what it was like to feel safe and secure. That all changed 3 years ago when he arrived at Brian’s House, a residential home for teen boys operated by Children’s Home Society.

Following a period of adjustment, Mike began to make rapid progress at Brian’s House and in school. He learned about our WingsNet program, which encourages and rewards academic achievements, consistent job performance, development of work skills, and maintaining a savings account.

Mike was motivated by the WingsNet program and eager to participate. Within a few semesters, his high school GPA went from 2.0 to 4.0! Mike soon became a member of The Higher Achiever’s Club at his school and said that 2015 was the best school year ever. And now, for the first time, he’s even excited about and looking forward to beginning the next school year.

We’re proud of Mike and looking forward to hearing more about his accomplishments. Thank you for supporting our WingsNet program and making a difference in Mike’s life and in the lives of many other at-risk youth in Central Florida.

Update and News

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Here’s specifically how the funds were used from January 2015 through March 2015:

$9,064.00: Academic Achievement (WingsNet Awards)
$2,237.29: Residential Home Improvements: washer, dryer, beds, mattresses
$2,541.95: Athletics, Recreation Fees, birthday parties/gifts
$3,645.31: Clothing and Personal Care
$820.50: Education Fees, Tutoring and Life Skills Classes (WingsNet Awards)
$380.39: Medical and Dental
$229.00: Runaway Prevention (WingsNet Awards)
$195.00: Employment Skills/Performance (WingsNet Awards)

$19,113.44: Total

We will continue to report on how YOUR donations are being used. Thank you for your confidence that Wings of Hope will continue to be good stewards of your generosity.

Individually we do make a difference. Together we change lives.

Wings 20th Annual Hope Rising Gala

We’re looking forward to seeing YOU on October 3, 2015 for an exciting celebration of our 20th Annual Gala! In addition to gourmet food, open bar and exciting auction items, this year’s Gala will feature live entertainment from Think Big! These six men play music ranging from classic rock and dance tunes to Motown and everything in between. Be sure you’re a part of all the fun – get your tickets now!

What’s Happening

Thank you Sponsors and Donors
We are grateful for all the sponsors and donors who have contributed to make our Hope Rising 20th Anniversary Gala a great success! Our sponsors are one of the major reasons that Wings of Hope has made such an impact in the lives of at-risk young people. To see a complete list of our Sponsors and the companies and individuals who have donated auction items click here.

Community Champions Award
Tony and Kathy Gautsch, Wings of Hope founders, were awarded the 2015 Molina Healthcare of Florida Community Champions award. Our thanks to Children’s Home Society of Florida for submitting the nomination. The goal of the program is “to honor individuals and support agencies that inspire others through selfless, extraordinary service and contributions that positively affect the health, well-being and lives of those around them.”

Reminders
The Marriott Lake Mary special rate of $109.00 for Wings of Hope Gala attendees ends this this week on 9/3.