Uplift Our Youth Foundation2023 Annual Fundraiser and Grant Awards Event

The Uplift Our Youth Foundation Board of Directors has announced its 21st Annual Grant Awards and Fund-Raising Event is scheduled for Thursday, October 12th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The dinner will be celebrating the 22nd year of existence where the foundation has awarded over $200,000 in grants to organizations that serve at-risk youth in the arts, career training, and other interdisciplinary activities throughout Eaton, Clinton, and Ingham counties.

Coutesy Photo-Mr. Larry Leatherwood, Chair Emeritus, and founder of the Uplift Our Youth Foundation

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Mr. Larry Leatherwood, Chair Emeritus, and founder of the Foundation stated he is elated with the level of support received over the years by individuals and businesses within the Tri-County area. He is equally pleased with the level of commitment of the officers and individual members of the board of directors.

Currently, Rev. Frederick Ford, Chair, Myron Frierson, Vice-chair, and John Gardner, Treasurer have served especially well along with the dedication and hard work of the individual members. Chairman Ford stated that while the Foundation is unable to address all the challenges our youth are confronted with, he's pleased with the level of support from the community.

The past three years have been especially challenging considering the effect of the Pandemic on much of the population in our community and nationally. We are pleased that now the Pandemic is behind us, and we can resume the work that we have taken on in our community. We are also pleased to be able to return to the Crowne Plaza for our dinner and program. We're delighted this year to have one of Lansing's hometown educators Adia Boone, a leading administrator at one of Lansing's Montessori schools. We will also honor Dr. Carolyn Stone Ph.D. School Support Specialist at Reo Elementary as "Child Advocate of the Year." We will also spotlight Bryce Brown of Okemos High School, and Nia Lynette Long of East Lansing High School as two students excelling toward excellence.

A donation of $325 dollars as a friend of the Uplift Our Youth Foundation or a $125 donation as an Honorary Co-Chair of the Annual Award dinner will entitle you to two and one tickets to the event plus a listing on our website and Facebook page. Should you desire to participate, make a check payable to the Uplift Our Youth Foundation P.O. Box 7009, Lansing, Michigan 48890. On-line donations can be submitted via our web page https://upliftouryouthfoundation.org/how-to-donate