Happy Tuesday, everyone! Apologies for the lack of posts lately. We recently wrapped up the Be Awesome Be Aware program with Cross Keys High School, ending with a workshop on Civic Duty and what it means to be socially responsible. Founder Bee spoke about her impetus to help others, inspired by her roots as the daughter of Vietnamese refugees, who received sponsorship and assistance from church, family, and the government after fleeing a war-torn country. One of Bee’s favorite local nonprofits is Atlanta Mission, which provides emergency shelter, rehabilitation services, and long-term residential recovery to women and women with children who are seeking recovery for chemical dependency, domestic violence, and other life-controlling problems. Every year, she personally packs and donates Christmas shoeboxes to the women and children of Atlanta Mission. For the last workshop, we decided to do something similar—except instead of Christmas shoeboxes, we packed Easter baskets. We had a great time assembling baskets with the girls, who also included personal notes wishing the recipients a happy Easter.
With the conclusion of Be Awesome Be Aware, we’ve reflected on the program as a whole and realize that, yes, we’re still rough around the edges. There were times when we could have been more organized, more efficient. But we know better now, and our program had a good first run. We also met some great people who generously donated their time to our little organization. (Melanie S. Taylor, Chef Carlin, Planned Parenthood, Todd and Leigh Layton, Desiree Nathanson, Banking On Our Future—we couldn’t have done it without you.)
Most importantly, the girls learned a lot, too. They are more prepared for college, for the real world, than they were in January, and they themselves are wonderful people: smart, mature, hopeful, open, honest, funny, and enthusiastic. We’ll miss them dearly and wish them nothing but the best in college—and hope they carry something from Athena’s Warehouse with them, whether it’s how to shop on a budget, apply for a job, or simply believe in yourself.
And as mentioned in previous posts, Be Awesome Be Aware isn’t only about real-life awareness and personal support—we also believe in empowerment through higher education, which is why one of our participants will receive a $1,000 scholarship, funded by our amazing sponsor, Sanctuary Real Estate. The Board of Directors will judge based on a personal essay describing the impact the workshops have had on the recipient’s life. Come May 15th, we’ll announce the winner at Cross Keys’ Honors Night.
On another note, grab your tickets to our 2nd annual prom fundraiser, Old Hollywood on Friday, May 6th at Sutra Lounge from 8 to 11 pm. We’ll have fabulous raffle prizes, drink specials, awesome music from Dubsmash, a photo booth from LeahAndMark.com, and even a red carpet. Tickets are only $20, and the proceeds will help us continue to fund programs like Be Awesome Be Aware and the Prom Project.
RSVP on our Facebook event page.
