News and Events
Ambassador Board Kick-Off Party!
January, 25th 2012, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
at Via Tribunali on Queen Anne
317 West Galer Street, Seattle, WA 98119
Come and learn more about Friends of the Children and the Ambassador Board – a unique opportunity to network, be mentored on learning how to take on future Board positions, and make a real and permanent difference in our community.
Our goal is to create group of young, motivated circle of friends who care about the children in our community and will raise awareness and ultimately funds through fun events that appeal to our peers.
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Mary Vegas, Development Manager at Friends – KC, at mary@friendskc.org.
We look forward to seeing you!
Save the Date for Our 6th Annual Dinner & Auction: “Our First Graduating Class: Go Forth and Prosper”
Our 6th Annual Dinner & Auction is coming up on October 8, 2011 at the Hyatt Olive 8 in Downtown Seattle. Now that Friends-KC is in its 11th year, we are excited to celebrate our first group of program graduates at the end of the 2011/2012 school year! These are children who have had a mentor since first grade! Please mark your calendars and plan on joining us for this momentous event to support long-term mentoring for vulnerable children from kindergarten until they graduate from high school . More information on the evening will be posted here as the date is closer.
For information on how to purchase a table at the event, buy a ticket, or become a sponsor please contact info@friendskc.org. To donate an item to our silent or live auction please complete this on-line form. Thank you in advance for your support!
National Board Member Featured on Bob Edwards Weekend Radio Show
David Kirp, one of the Friends of the Children National Board members, was featured on the Bob Edwards Weekend radio show, distributed by Sirius Satellite Radio and Public Radio International. Bob Edward talked with David about his new book, Kids First: Five Big Ideas for Transforming Children’s Lives and America’s Future. Friends of the Children receives a significant shout-out, both in the book and on the radio show. We have included the audio link here:
Our Annual Winter Celebration
160 of our children and their family members came to our winter celebration, including home-cooked turkey and goodies, raffle prizes, games, and youth performances. Many of the families had their “family photo” taken by a professional volunteer photographer to remember the occasion.
Thank You to Everyone for a Successful Barnes and Noble Book Fair
Thanks to Ray Roberts for sharing his story about the power of mentoring in his own life at the Barnes and Noble Book Fair and for all of those who attended, purchased books or bought online. Your support is appreciated!
Friends Wins $10,000 Education Initiative Grant from Safeco Insurance Foundation
We received a $10,000 Education Initiative grant from the Safeco Insurance Foundation. This is a competitive grant that is a testament to our results related to academic achievement, demonstrating we are helping our kids succeed in school and prepare for their future.
Raikes Foundation selects Friends to Participate in Youth Program Quality Initiative
Raikes Foundation selected us to participate in their Youth Program Quality Initiative, including professional development, assessment, and a $25,000 grant to enhance our program for teens. Research has found that participation in high quality programs can positively influence outcomes for youth. While many factors contribute to quality, skilled staff is essential to creating safe, engaging, youth-centered programs. The Youth Program Quality Initiative engages staff of youth-serving organizations in an intensive professional development process that reflects best practices in the field of youth development.