In this issue:
-Fundraising Update
-2006 Mid-Scholarship Exhibition Highlights
-Geron Breaks New Ground
-Susy's Art on Display For All to Enjoy
-Team Good for Kids Talks About Their 2007 Challenge in the Sahara Dessert
Fundraising Update
Our current fundraising campaign is off to a steady start with Team Good for Kids working hard to generate support for our kids and programs. Thank you so much to all of you who have contributed so far. For those of you who would still like to donate, you can benefit from a 2006 tax deduction by contributing before Jan 1st. Please click here to donate securely at the following levels ($1,200 = One 1-on-1 coaching scholarship, $600 = Half a 1-on-1 coaching scholarship, $100 = One week of 1-on-1 coaching scholarship, $60 = One camp scholarship) or at any other amount you can manage. Every dollar counts and your support is greatly appreciated!
2006 Mid-Scholarship Exhibition Highlights
This year's Mid-Scholarship Exhibition, on December 20th, was a success as Good for Kids Scholarship Recipients, coaches, family, and supporters performed, applauded, and mingled. For the students who could attend, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming thanks in large part to Cellspace, a San Francisco arts facility and one of Good for Kids' partners. Following introductions by Executive Director, Nicholas Wickes, Geron Stevens took the stage and energized the audience with his latest b-boy moves (a close relative to breakdancing). Although Susy Rojas couldn't make the event, her spirit and artwork were present and on display for the guests to applaud. Our 3rd Scholarship recipient, Benjamin Quillen, also could not attend due to a soccer injury, but his coach, Eric Robbins was on hand to talk with guests about his coaching plan for Benjamin in January. We closed the evening with food, drinks, and photo opportunities for the Kids, our Mascots, and Team Good for Kids.
Left: Guests applaud young talent at Good for Kids 2006 Mid-scholarship Exhibition
Geron Breaks New Ground
At our December 20th event to recognize GFK Scholarship Recipients and their talents, Geron Stevens showed friends, family, and GFK supporters a few things about b-boy. The crowd responded with whistles and cheers as Geron and Coach Ron highlighted the history, technique, and complexities of b-boy. Coach Ron, one of the San Francisco Bay Area's top b-boy dancers and instructors, has high hopes for Geron as he prepares for a 4-way “battle” with 3 other teams from San Francisco's Roosevelt, Presidio, and A.P.G. High Schools at the end of January. Stay tuned for more moves from Geron.
Right: Geron shows b-boy skills to guests at Mid-Scholarship Exhibition
Susy's Art on Display For All To Enjoy
Susy Rojas unfortunately could not attend the Exhibition for health reasons (we wish her well and look forward to seeing her in January) but was well represented by her artwork and Instructor Bill. Her artistic ability and commitment to learning were clearly visible in the four pieces she submitted for the event. Bill, an award winning San Francisco artist and mentor for young creators, walked the guests through a progression of works and techniques Susy had completed in the first 7 weeks of her Good for Kids Scholarship. In preparation for the highly acclaimed Youth Arts Festival in May 2007, Bill said that he was “very excited about Susy's first entry into such an event.” Rumor has it that Susy's work will show at San Francisco's De Young Museum as part of the festival. Exciting news for her new admirers!
Left: Instructor Bill presents Susy artwork and progression of technique
Team Good for Kids Talks About Their 2007 Race across the Sahara Dessert
As the Marathon des Sables approaches (March 25-31), Lia, Piera, and Nicholas are busy training, researching equipment, and spreading the word to raise donations for Good for Kids. At Wednesday's Exhibition the Scholarship Recipients and guests were excited to learn about Team GFK's plans to run across the Morrocan Sahara to support Good for Kids programs and scholarships. Meeting Lia and Piera for the first time, Geron and Marvin (a scholarship recipient during GFK's Pilot Program) were surprised to hear that such an adventure was possible and were almost invited to join the team on the race. Instead the Team introduced the Good for Kids mascots and announced that each racer would carry one of the characters as a fun way to raise support and help kids improve their lives and the communities they live in through their own skills and hard work.
Right: (clockwise from top left) Marvin, Geron, Piera, Nicholas, and Lia have fun with the GFK mascots and Team Good for Kids.
