tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:/en/projects?page=15 2023-11-22T14:28:47Z tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/238750 2023-10-17T00:00:00Z 2023-11-22T14:28:47Z O projeto busca ressignificar a vida por meio da sensibilização para a prevenção atraves do auto cuidado., valorizando a vida, com a sua real importância e com saúde. Portanto, a melhor forma de prevenir e manter a saúde física e mental é através de diálogos e discussões que abordem temas desconfortáveis na nossa cultura, como o suicídio, o cancer como outros problemas de saúde publica que tanto afligem a nossa população, com leveza e com uma linguaguem acessivel. O objetivo desse projeto alem de proporcionar a população de Brumadinho, se apropriarem do Espaço Cozinha Sabores da Associação Transforma o Vale do Paraopeba, e ressignificarem a vida através de encontros prazeirosos para cuidarem da saúde física e mental. Isso através de praticas onde poderão receber cuidados pessoais oferecidos em parceria com profissionais da comunidade como massoterapeutas, profissionais da estética, palestras de profissionais especialistas em saúde e qualidade de vida.O tema dos encontros serao norteados pelas campanhas de saúde publica o Novembro Rosa e o outubro Azul , Janeiro Branco etc... A capacidade do local e para 150 pessoas. Associacao Transforma o VaAle do Paraopeba Cafe do Auto Cuidado http://@associacaotransforma2023 Brazil Brumadinho https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/brumadinho tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/235528 2023-10-16T00:00:00Z 2023-10-16T00:57:15Z October’s Awesome Ottawa award goes to Sam Kellerman and The Absent Friends Shadow Cast to support their continuing performances alongside screenings of the Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Mayfair Theatre. “My cast,” explains Sam, “has been performing the Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Mayfair Theatre on a monthly basis – and six times in October – since fall 2010. We are all volunteers and get no funding from the theatre itself, nor do we get any outside funding from any organization.” “Our show consists of mirroring the cult classic on stage – costumes, props, blocking, and all – as the film is projected on the theatre’s screen. We also encourage the audience to participate in all the traditions surrounding cinematic screenings of Rocky Horror – throwing toast, toilet paper, using water guns, wearing newspaper on your head, and so on.” “For the last decade we have held the title of third-most-attended Rocky Horror screenings in North America, and we are the most attended screenings of Rocky Horror in Canada. We are also the longest running theatrical performance in Ottawa.” “We aim,” Sam continues, “to preserve and maintain the phenomenon that has developed around Rocky Horror. We are, in sorts, a high-heeled museum piece of late 70's and 80's midnight movie culture. We also serve as a safe space for the LGBT, goth, counter culture, grind house, punk, cinematic and theatrical communities to gather on a monthly basis.” [This month’s shows] (https://events.com/r/en_US/tickets/the-rocky-horror-picture-show-ottawa-october-911348) take place Friday, October 27, at 9 PM and midnight; Saturday, October 28, at 9 PM and midnight; and Tuesday, October 31, at 6 PM and 9 PM. Sam is the founder, director, stage manager, and costumer of The Absent Friends Shadow Cast – as well as an actor in the show. He is completing his studies in mortuary sciences, and works as a full time funeral director. Samuel Kellerman Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Mayfair https://www.facebook.com/rockyhorrorottawa Canada Ottawa https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/ottawa tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/235875 2023-10-16T00:00:00Z 2023-10-22T04:35:31Z KFIVE is a nonprofit organization offering students in grades K-5 with English and mathematics in-person tutoring. Hoping to bring students back into the classroom after COVID-19 interruptions, KFIVE wanted to restore the traditional learning environment. With a focus on one-on-one and small-group learning, KFIVE aims to provide tailored support for students using individualized materials. All students are tutored by high schoolers enrolled in honors and/or Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Tutoring sessions are conducted on a weekly basis, with various activities incorporated into the lessons to encourage student participation. Recognizing that many parents are concerned about their child's lack of confidence, KFIVE prioritizes not only their academic growth but also their emotional well-being and intelligence. KOLLECTIVE offers volunteering opportunities from across the Greater Pittsburgh region to middle and high school students, allowing them to explore a world of community engagement, develop essential life skills, and foster a sense of civic responsibility benefiting both the moral compass of the student and the Pittsburgh community they serve. In our “Thank you, Veterans” workshop, we were able to write 100+ thank you cards to veterans, directly conveying gratitude and support to those who have served our country. Through tutoring and KOLLECTIVE, we not only enhance the personal development of young students, but also contribute to the betterment of the Pittsburgh community. We believe that by nurturing responsible, engaged, and compassionate citizens from an early age, we are making a lasting positive impact on both the individual and the collective well-being of our city. KFIVE KFIVE Tutoring and KOLLECTIVE https://www.kfive.org/ United States Pittsburgh, PA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/pittsburgh tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/237902 2023-10-16T00:00:00Z 2023-11-27T15:49:06Z I go to Dutchess community college and am a part of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. We want to do a thanksgiving community project to feed the community that could benefit from a home cooked meal. We would partner with Hudson River housing to find a place to prepare and hand out the meals. We would try to find a local restaurant to support local and feed the community they are a part of. Ashton Balloqui-Smith A community Friendsgiving United States Poughkeepsie, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/poughkeepsie tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/219970 2023-10-16T00:00:00Z 2023-10-16T21:13:48Z Panther Pride is a school beautification project that will include math classroom input (for calculation of cost and amount of materials) and the local chapter of Future Farmers of America. McBee High is a small rural high school in Chesterfield County , South Carolina. We have a rich agricultural tradition with a strong agricultural education program. There is little to no landscaping around the front of our school. This project will beautify our entrance so that the entire school and community will be proud to say they have Panther Pride! Sherry S Young Panther Pride Worldwide Awesome Without Borders (Inactive) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/awesomewithoutborders tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/231608 2023-10-15T00:00:00Z 2023-10-15T16:52:48Z This year the MN state legislator removed Columbus Day and replaced it with Indigenous Peoples' Day as a State recognized Holiday. This is the 2nd Monday in October. Two Feathers LLC is partnering with Indigenous media creators, elders and youth to help tell the story of how beautiful the Indigenous Culture is. Our Mission as an organization is to help education others about the beauty of our cultures. This content will be shares as an ongoing education resource for schools, organization, communities and will be shared out on Social Media platforms. Life long education around things our K12 systems might have failed us only help us be better neighbors. Heather Keeler Indigenous Peoples' Day Education Video https://www.twofeathersllc.com United States Cass Clay https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/cassclay tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/230971 2023-10-13T00:00:00Z 2023-10-13T17:32:13Z In Texas, 1 out of every 4 kids doesn't have food to eat when away from their school campus. A $1000 grant from the Austin Awesome Foundation will allow the Awesome Tummies of North Austin project will provide weekend meal kits to 200 students in North Austin (Parmer-Metric-Braker Lane area) that need weekend nutrition. Many of these kids are displaced and 'in-transition'. This meal kits will ensure that, no matter where they may have to stay for the weekend — a friend's house, extended stay hotel, or even their car – they'll have on-the-go nutrition to bridge the gap until they return to their school campus for breakfast on Monday morning. Tom Cottar Awesome Tummies of North Austin http://www.backpackfriends.com United States Austin, TX https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/austin tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/233957 2023-10-12T00:00:00Z 2023-11-13T22:10:31Z We are 4 faculty members at 4 universities in the San Antonio area, developing a symposium designed to assist teachers and educators from K12 through higher education to navigate the new anti-Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) legislation in Texas. Various senate bills have been floated and several passed over the last two legislative sessions that seek to remove DEI considerations in education, including the ability for K12 teachers and higher ed professors to teach about historical and contextual issues around racism, gender identities and sexual orientations. While this has only passed fully in public K12 education, an anti-DEI bill did pass the 88th Legislative Session and we must eliminate any DEI programs or hiring practices beginning in 2024. While the anti-DEI in college classrooms bill did not pass, it is anticipated to return with greater support in the 89th Texas Legislative Session. We are professors in communication and education who find it imperative, particularly at our Hispanic Serving Institutions, to teach our students about the realities of the Civil War, CRT, Mexican American studies and other areas that challenge 'viewpoint diversity', or in other words, make people feel discomfort with their positions in the world regarding privilege and oppression. Such practices (including book banning) deny critical thinking skills and set our students at a disadvantage to succeed in life within our pluralistic society. This project's first undertaking is a small (40 - 50 person) symposium for teacher/educators on understanding the historical context of anti-DEI movements, learning how to teach to our own identities and those of our students in a manner that is inclusive to multiple perspectives, and figuring out how to negotiate the tricky legal territory of anti-academic and intellectual freedom legislation. We seek to understand and work against the chilling effect such legislation has on DEI for teachers and students in our education system. Miriam Sobre Navigating the backlash: Education in an Anti-DEI United States San Antonio, TX https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/sanantonio tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/233976 2023-10-12T00:00:00Z 2023-11-30T00:20:16Z We are proud to announce that TriLingua Cinema is our 23rd $1,000 grant recipient. Our selection was based on AwesomeStPaul's core value of bringing our community together through shared enrichment activities and projects. Check out Trilingua Cinema's website at http://trilinguacinema.com for its movie schedule, and plan to attend one or more of their screenings at the East Side Freedom Library this winter. TriLingua Cinema is a passionate group of East Side Saint Paul volunteer organizers trying to create a low cost multilingual, multicultural movie theater here on the East Side. Our name refers to the three major languages spoken in East Side neighborhoods: English, Spanish, and Hmong. For the last four years we have been screening free films in these languages for our friends and neighbors. We started out small but now have three co-directors and more than 10 volunteers. This summer alone we have shown 10 free films on our giant inflatable screen at East Side Sculpture Park (and have given away over 500 free hot dogs!). Lately, our screenings have been drawing more than 100 movie lovers per event. This winter we have the opportunity to continue screening films in the basement of East Side Freedom Library. However, we have a problem: our big inflatable screen won't fit inside the library and would be too noisy to run in there anyway. We need to buy a large, foldable screen instead (and some nice black drapes to make things look fancy). Unfortunately, we just don't have the money to do this... but that's where you come in! Ismail Khadar TriLingua Cinema's Freedom Library Fridays! http://trilinguacinema.com United States St. Paul, MN https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/stpaul tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/162585 2023-10-11T00:00:00Z 2023-10-23T16:10:09Z CarrollBaby is dedicated to supplying a reliable supply of diapers, wipes and baby hygiene items to local families in need. CarrollBaby is a fund of the Community Foundation of Carroll County and a member of the National Diaper Bank Network. Diapers are often overlooked in conversations surrounding poverty. They are not covered by WIC or SNAP. They are also expensive. According to the National Diaper Bank Network, diapers cost $70-$80 per month per child. CarrollBaby distributes 50 diapers per month per child, which is considered best practice in diaper banking. This ends up being about a week's supply. We distribute at the beginning of every month so that families can budget accordingly for the rest of the month. We are currently serving just over 200 families each month. A reliable supply of diapers helps babies avoid painful rashes and infections when parents resort to stretching the diapers they do have. It also relieves stress in the household and ensures parents do not have to miss work due to lack of clean diapers for childcare. Diaper need is a a hidden but growing need in our community and the rest of the country. CarrollBaby follows a simple model- we collect donated diapers and redistribute them to families in need. We currently store all diapers through a partnership with Springdale Preparatory School in New Windsor. Lauren Bukszar CarrollBaby Diaper Bank http://CarrollBaby.org United States Westminster, MD https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/westminster tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/231189 2023-10-11T00:00:00Z 2023-10-12T13:51:08Z No Fear Cafe is located right in the heart of Detroit. Our summer and after school youth programs focus on promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math, while fostering a positive and safe environment where students build strong relationships with peers and adult staff. Our programming is accessible and based on the underlying philosophy that learning and development occur through play, imagination, and critical thinking. No Fear Cafe is committed to creating fun and engaging programming that uses creative methods to connect to students with different learning styles. My Awesome Project is CODING FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS - I want to host several FREE coding classes for kids who attend Detroit Public Schools. As a teacher, I have met students who use their cell phone for homework assignments and have never used an ipad before. I want to purchase ipads for high school students to learn coding at our center. Students can actually earn a certificate in coding and learn a valuable skill that could lead to a lucrative STEM career! I would love to open this door for students. There is very little programming in Detroit for high school students that can help to set them apart in a job search or a college application. This money would actually help me to host a year of free coding classes for a cohort of 20 students. Alicia McKay Coding Class for High School Students http://www.nofearcafe.com United States Ann Arbor, MI https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/ann-arbor tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/231805 2023-10-11T00:00:00Z 2023-10-12T10:19:50Z Musical Memories Springburn involves weekly sessions of singing and gentle movement for 40+ people affected by various forms of Dementia and their carers- (domestic and professional) Our project has no pretence of being a choir, but we have lots of fun and mischief. We use our own songbook, which is a combination of Scottish songs and various songs of yesteryear. The favourite part of our Monday afternoon sessions is 'McNamara's Band', when lots of our visitors gently parade around our hall waving tambourines and maracas. The most common observation of visitors is the difference in the manner of our friends between arriving and when they leave, with beaming smiles..Our volunteer team (of 12) make no pretence of having expertise in any medical issues, but they certainly provide a tactful and WARM attitude. The average age of our volunteer team is around 75, including one 91 year old, who has a relaxing manner which is invaluable... We have 4 musicians and song leaders. We also have 3 kitchen ladies who produce welcoming snacks and a special mid session tea break. We have special''theme days'' when we decorate our hall appropriately - St Patrick's Day - American Day - Halloween, and other days. .Our team has undergone training sessions including hand massage and other topics, some of which were supplied by Alzheimer Scotland. Particularly in summertime we have an occasional 'away days'. This year they were a steam train journey and a barge cruise. These outings are expensive but invaluable.. We recently had our MSP and a senior Civil Servant visit our friends who attend to hear their thoughts on a Scottish Government review of services for people affected by dementia. They also stayed for our afternoon session!! and joined in our Hokey Cokey!! Brian Smith Musical Memories Springburn http://N/A United Kingdom Glasgow https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/glasgow tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/233752 2023-10-11T00:00:00Z 2023-10-13T08:23:37Z Dit idee is er om ongedocumenteerde te kunnen informeren wat er allemaal te doen is voor hun in Rotterdam. Zoals de Soepbus, Pauluskerk en Nico Adriaan Stichting en natuurlijk de Ontmoeting. Het informeren gaat met een informatie zuil in de vorm van een boomstronk. In de boomstronk zit een verhoogde stoel als een tennis-rechter-stoel. Vanaf die stoel is het leven te over zien en te gaan na denken WAT NU? Maar ook is vanaf die stoel na te denken voor mensen met een dak, hoe het is om geen huis te hebben. Het is expres een boom zonder beschermend bladerdek. Ook zijn deze mensen soms boos op hun situatie uit onmacht op het systeem. Voor hun is er een boxkussen om een tik uit te delen of een loopkick te geven. Omdat ook kinderen gaan spelen op deze boomstronk zijn er rubberen tegels om de boom stronk. Mark Bosschieter Chair of life Netherlands Rotterdam https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/rotterdam tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/236440 2023-10-10T00:00:00Z 2023-10-11T16:37:10Z Ipswich is a close-knit community with a growing network of Little Free Libraries. We have at least seven libraries built and maintained by our residents all around town, and they serve as accessible, community-driven resources for residents of all ages. Currently many of the books available in these libraries are in need of refreshing. I hope to provide a diverse range of new books that inspire, motivate, and uplift readers by polling Ipswich residents to ask "what was the last book you read that left you feeling positively delighted and happy?" I will then take these community suggestions to purchase and distribute happy and uplifting books to all of our Little Free Libraries. We will encourage readers to return the books back to the Little Free Libraries when they're finished reading so that the impact continues and can reach as many people as possible. Kimberly Mavroides Happy Books for Ipswich's Little Free Libraries United States Ipswich, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/ipswich tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/235136 2023-10-09T00:00:00Z 2023-11-12T22:08:23Z Books-N-Breakfast is an annual educational and social event that promotes community and relationship building between our school and our families. We strive to increase the awareness and importance of literacy in school and at home. An array of books of many genres will be available for students of all ages. NFA has partnered with several community organizations that will provide information and resources for our guests. Additionally, In an effort to improve our high school graduation rate, we provide our families with a variety of strategies ranging from improving student attendance to supporting students who may have recently joined our district. During this event, we showcase the many talents of our student body. Guests are treated to live musical performances, artistic expression (facepainting and other art projects), leadership exemplified by our ROTC cadets, free public services provided by students in our barbering program and a storybook corner for children courtesy of our National Honor Society members. Information regarding digital citizenship is offered during interactive workshops through our tech department. By joining us in this effort, we share a vision of creating an atmosphere of inclusive excellence to inspire students beyond Academy Field! Mike Ragusa Books-N-Breakfast United States Newburgh, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/newburgh tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/224085 2023-10-09T00:00:00Z 2023-10-09T21:17:32Z The Green Box is more than just a name – it’s a concept that embodies safety, preparation, and peace of mind. Founded by Erin Welborn, Green Box was inspired by her mother who kept all of her important documents in the house in the “Green Box”. If anything ever happened to her mother, she would always say “Everything you need is in the green box.” The Green Box is about preparation and making aging easier for everyone. It's about knowing that you'll have everything you need in one place, should you encounter a problem or an unexpected situation. And that passion for preparation, understanding, and peace of mind is what has driven our startup since its inception. The mission of Green Box Solution is to provide both the elderly and their caretake with all of the education, preparation, and resources that they will need, to ensure a smooth transition to this next natural stage of life. Our vision is to be your all-in-one community resource for all of your needs and you and your loved ones go through this stage of life. Our goals this year are to: 1. focus on providing education and resources to current caregivers and those who are about to enter into eldercare for a parent or loved one through a series of workshops; and 2. provide a "green box" to help organize the most important information - such as legal documents, financial documents, and healthcare information - keeping all of your important personal information in one place to help you and your family stay organized. Green Box Solutions provides a valuable community resource. No matter the phase of life you’re in, Green Box Solutions can provide you with the education and resources about aging that you’ll need to take care of yourself or take care of your loved ones. By doing so, we can increase the standard of living of the valued seniors in our community, and help younger caretakers understand the changing needs of their loved ones. Erin Welborne Green Box Toolkits http://WWW.GREENBOXSOLUTIONS.ORG Worldwide Awesome Without Borders (Inactive) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/awesomewithoutborders tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/223578 2023-10-08T00:00:00Z 2023-10-09T01:06:07Z Tim Brady will conduct an interview series with musicians who earn all of their income from playing music in and around Santa Cruz. This will feature 6 individual artists, 3 currently active and 3 from back in the 70's/80's. He will interview each person, record solo performances, and either film some live shows or use archive photos/video. The interviews will contain their music journey getting started performing as their main job, trails and tribulations, how the gig life treats them, funny stories, memories of other musicians from Santa Cruz and the old venues, music influences, tips for people who want to make it a career and what to look out for. He is also am intrigued to compare and contrast how the music scene in SC is now vs 30-40 years ago! He will use the funding to obtain a few pieces of gear to help with the quality of the project, as well as pay himself for the time to make it. Tim Brady A Good Gig - Full-Time Musicians of Santa Cruz https://www.instagram.com/aquanautaudio/ United States Santa Cruz, CA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/santacruz tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/228587 2023-10-06T00:00:00Z 2023-10-11T11:26:31Z A year ago I began a small creative women’s group in the art room of a local school. Over the past 12 months it has grown and I now run 4 women’s groups where each week I supply a different, exciting project. I am not an artist or a teacher but due to my own story, I am passionate about giving women of all ages and abilities, a safe space to come together and connect using creativity as the tool! Creativity is so undervalued when it comes to being used as a tool to aid mental health and I made it my mission to share that. Between 30 and 40 women join me on Monday or Tuesday evenings or Monday or Thursday mornings from across Geelong and the Bellarine. We have done everything from paint pouring to mosaic to collage to alcohol inks and due to my adhd need to try everything, the list goes on! The sessions are a rollercoaster. Tears of laughter or pain are often shared as well as baileys toasts to benign tumours and breakthroughs. One thing I underestimated was the power of having women with varied abilities from all walks of life and all ages together in one room. These women range from 18-75 and whilst most have suffered or do suffer with mental health issues and trauma, many have physical disabilities too. The connections that have formed between women has been amazing. Women who may never have connected in ‘real life’ now meet up on weekends or during the holidays when there is a break from my sessions. The stories and current experiences that are shared weekly leave me speechless, blown away by the strength and vulnerability of these women and lately Ive been left feeling like I am unqualified for this honour. The feedback however and love and joy from these women each week reminds me I am doing something right. Kristin wishart Connecting through Creativity do Women https://www.wishartcreative.com/collections/workshops Australia Geelong https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/geelong tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/231218 2023-10-04T00:00:00Z 2023-10-14T15:06:35Z The Blaq Skate Day Party is a community event focused on inclusion, diversity, and pride in self. It aims to highlight the progress, success, and achievements of the Black LGBTQ+ community. By breaking down boundaries of race, gender identity, and age, this event seeks to foster equality, mutual respect, and community. Taking place during Black Pride Month in October 2023, it is a family-friendly event open to all. Additionally, the event will showcase the achievements of exceptional Baltimorians who have made significant contributions to support, activism, and creativity, both locally and internationally. Nathan Couser Blaq Skate Day Party https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-blaq-skate-day-party-tickets-711407658457?aff=oddtdtcreator United States Baltimore, MD (Inactive) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/baltimore tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/234368 2023-10-04T00:00:00Z 2023-10-09T02:52:25Z Pride Morris is a new community group that combines queer self expression with a traditional folk dance form that brings us joy. The group comes together each year for a limited season around a special pride event, and its debut will be during the Sydney Mardi Gras festival in 2024. In the past Morris dancing was strongly divided along gendered lines, with many pervasive sexist attitudes making the scene an unwelcoming place for anyone who was not a cis-straight-white man. Thankfully great strides have been made in recent decades. As Morris teams have become more inclusive they have attracted queer members drawn to this unique and joyful performance art form. The broader folk scene can still be an incredibly hetero-normative and traditionalist place. With Pride Morris we aim to provide a space where queer morris dancers may push the boundaries of self-expression usually imposed by traditional costumes. We aim to provide colourful and entertaining public spectacle to help break down toxic aspects of traditionalist attitudes whilst celebrating all we love about this joyous communal dance form. Most Morris sides are self-sustaining, in that they take paid performance bookings and use the incoming money to pay running costs. However the setting up of a new team involves significant outlay costs in a period where we have no incoming bookings. This funding would be game-changing for us, and we will use this funding to purchase equipment and costume material that we be reused by the side each year. Many of us are students, retail workers, pensioners, and artists; many of us lack the funds to make Pride Morris happen without your valuable assistance. We are not asking for funds for a once-off event that will soon grow distant in our memories, but asking for assistance at critical time to set up a lasting organisation whose mission is to bring joy to all Sydneysiders, including queer people. Sydney is one of the most fabulous gay cities in the world, and has a wealth of LGBTQIA–welcoming sports clubs and support organisations, but there is a dearth of similar social clubs focussed upon dance and music. In this beautiful little gap, Pride Morris is seeking to create a community that revels in the joys of queerness at the same time as revelling in the power of dance to connect to our bodies and to each other through movement and music. Additionally, many of these Sydney-based clubs are based on gendered participation. Sports clubs are often built around single-gendered competitions, while Oxford Street has a wonderful, fabulous nightclub scene that largely caters to the gay male community. Pride Morris will be open to people of all ages and all genders, creating a community that transcends boundaries. Rosie Wylie Pride Morris Australia Sydney https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/sydney tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/233626 2023-10-03T00:00:00Z 2023-10-26T04:07:31Z I'm walking. A piece of paper with handwriting catches my eye. It implores me to pick it up. I control the urge, because my apartment is cluttered enough. My friend Tracy collages found, handwritten fragments. To my delight, she says I can participate in the finding. Hooray—permission granted for succumbing to temptation! We meet and have an unveiling ritual, examining each piece of paper I’ve brought. We guess at its author and purpose. A youngster’s list of future bridesmaids? Another: Items sold by a drug dealer? What I find won’t often fit my Pick-me-up project, but this ritual inspired me to make things for others to happen upon. Gleaning materials from the streets is a fun activity for me because it feels like hunting for treasure that is provided by my surroundings. I imagine San Francisco as a living entity and intend on expressing gratitude for its generosity via “The Pick Me Up Project”. I will create small, fused glass objects and leave them around for others to find, with the aim of spreading the joy of discovery. The Pick Me Up Project will consist of small pieces of ceramic-impregnated paper (CIP) encased in slightly larger pieces of fused glass. The CIP will have writing (such as handwritten, uplifting messages) or designs on its surface and look like scraps of regular paper. CIP sizes will range from fortune-cookie fortune size to 1.75 x 1.5 inches. The glass will be large enough to leave a ¼’’ glass border and small enough to fit in a pocket. Early attempts at realizing my idea didn’t work very well. After several months of research and experimentation, I was finally able to achieve satisfactory results. The images accompanying my project proposal depict successful test pieces and exemplify what will be left around San Francisco. Julie Alland The Pick Me Up Project United States San Francisco, CA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/sf tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/222673 2023-10-02T00:00:00Z 2023-10-02T18:03:04Z In the Summer 2022, we [Julynn Wildman (choreographer) and Jessi Harvey (composer)] were selected for an OpenAIR Artist Residency at an Evolutionary Biology Lab at the University of Montana. Prof. Doug Emlen and his students study the stridulatory “songs” and trembling “dances” performed by male rhinoceros beetles. Though selected for the residency as individual artists, we soon saw the compatibility and complementarity of our media, research, and creative styles and envisioned a larger-scale collaboration. The project is a 20-minute research-based performance for a mixed chamber ensemble and 8 dancers. The structure of the performance is tripartite, with each section corresponding to a pivotal stage in the mating cycle. It will be performed live and recorded in late spring 2024 at Westside Theatre in Missoula, MT, presented alongside a project introduction, showcase of initial residency pieces, and an artist talkback. The performance will engage students from the College of Visual and Performing Arts, creating a truly cross-disciplinary environment. Classical music, concert dance, and laboratory sciences can feel at times inaccessible; each requiring unique prerequisite knowledge to appreciate what is being presented. Our collaboration demystifies all three, creating a whimsical triad of entry points for anyone within - or outside of - each discipline. This collaboration is symbiotic; for us, artists who create research-informed work, access to the science and its experts is nonpareil. For the scientists, artists offer a chance to reach new audiences in bold, original ways. For the University, cross-departmental collaboration augments learning experiences for both arts and science students. For Montana, a project combining classical music, concert dance, and scientific research can show the vivacity of collaboration, give access to its component parts, stimulate interest in the arts and sciences, and support creators in the state. Julynn Wildman Scarabic Serenade Worldwide Awesome Without Borders (Inactive) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/awesomewithoutborders tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/226728 2023-09-30T00:00:00Z 2023-10-02T14:33:33Z _Saint Nicholas Miracle Garden is a reactivated community garden in Central Harlem. The garden's compact size and dense urban context allow them to promote vertical urban gardening and test innovative techniques to maximize space and resources. The garden promotes environmental awareness and serves as a growing educational resource and community gardening space. In addition, it addresses food insecurity by providing food access programming and workshops on healthy eating and sustainable lifestyles._ **In May of this year, a volunteer team built a Hotbox composting system out of recycled materials and with this AwesomeNYC grant, they will be able to acquire the equipment, materials, and worms to activate their composting system and start to collect food scraps from the community.** The goal is to ultimately share this compost with the community and get the garden listed as space where master composters can be certified with their next volunteer day to be held in October or November. The Miracle Garden is building the garden space as an urban ecological educational site. They have been hosting a series of concerts and community events, and eventually plan to continue to engage their local public schools and offer free composting/gardening events for the students. They have two upcoming concerts this October: * **Sunday October 15, 2023, 2-6pm** - Ancestral Mbira Music in the Miracle Garden with Kevin Nathaniel and Saco Myoji. Please join us for a concert of mbira music that honors the spirit of the garden, the community, the communication and wisdom of the Earth * **Sunday, October 22nd, 3-6pm** Harlem Garden Music Festival. Join us for a family-friendly day of music, community, nature and fun and support the amazing work being done. Free to the public, suggestion donation welcome To learn more about these events, volunteer, or just follow their progress: * Follow them on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/stnicksgarden) or [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/stnicksgarden/) * Visit their website https://stnicholasmiraclegarden.org Nadege Alexis Miracle Compost Project https://stnicholasmiraclegarden.org United States New York City, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/nyc tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/229786 2023-09-30T00:00:00Z 2023-10-03T00:53:28Z September’s Awesome Ottawa award goes to Luc Lalande to support the Seniors AI Art Collective. “Engaging seniors in the generation of art through artificial intelligence,” explains Luc, “represents a novel approach to addressing some of the most pressing problems facing seniors – social isolation and lack of opportunities to meaningfully participate in community life.” “The project reimagines the potential of AI art as both a creative and social activity, adapting Pablo Picasso's well-known quote: ‘Every child is an artist; the problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up,’ or, in our case, once we grow old.” “The intention,” Luc continues, “was to use text-to-image AI art generation tools in a social setting, where seniors could express their imagination and memories through ideas, thoughts, and whimsy in a fun and playful environment. These expressions were then transformed into ‘prompts’ creating AI art images that in turn generated much laughter and joy amongst the participating seniors.” “What we had not anticipated beyond the social value of the project,” says Luc, “was the desire of our seniors to pursue AI art as a ‘collective’ and the development of a calendar project using images generated by them. Now the seniors are working on images for a children’s colouring book!” To learn more about the project and see some of the images, you can visit [Luc’s blog] (https://luclalande.medium.com/ai-art-seniors-program-at-rrcrc-284926eaceaa). Luc is Innovator-in-Residence at the Rideau-Rockliffe Community Resource Centre and former Executive Director of the Entrepreneurship Hub at the University of Ottawa. Luc Lalande Seniors AI Art Collective https://luclalande.medium.com/ai-art-seniors-program-at-rrcrc-284926eaceaa Canada Ottawa https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/ottawa tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/233114 2023-09-30T00:00:00Z 2023-10-04T00:32:38Z The FDR Memorial Legacy Committee has produced, in cooperation with OnSlot Media, a four part educational video tailored for middle and high school students on the fight led by disabled Americans in the 1990s to add a statue of FDR in a wheelchair to the FDR presidential memorial in Washington, DC. This epic battle took 6 years and underscores the drive and commitment of disabled Americans for authentic representation of disability and the importance of removing disability stigma. The primary funding for the video is from the National Trust for Historic Preservation but we need additional funding to secure the best in class accessibility features - namely audio description (AD). In the initial attempt to develop AD for this project, AI was used. We were underwhelmed with the results and now want to divert from what we had hoped would be a cost savings and need additional funds to secure a more hands on approach to develop AD. In short, we need people to write the AD. We will work with Joel Synder, founder of and senior consultant to American Council of the Blind’s Audio Description Project to create the AD. Once completed, the video will be released in early 2024 and will be available for free on our YouTube Channel. We will have targeted outreach to educators and special screenings. We will also have specialized outreach to disability organizations, as it must be remembered that over 50 disability organizations supported the fight for the wheelchair statue and have a stake in this story being told. **What our grantee is saying:** "Improving inclusion and accessibility at the FDR Memorial in Washington, DC is central to the mission of the FDR Memorial Legacy Committee. Our education video project tells the story of the epic six year fight led by disabled Americans to add a statue of FDR in a wheelchair to the Memorial. Thanks to the generous grant from Awesome Foundation, we will provide best in class audio descriptions so that as many people as possible can learn about this story and enjoy the video.” Mary E Dolan Education Video- The FDR Wheelchair Statue Fight https://fdrmemoriallegacy.com/ Worldwide Disability https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/disability tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/230308 2023-09-28T00:00:00Z 2023-09-29T14:50:29Z The City of Gloucester’s Halloween Party is held at Stage Fort Park in October and welcomes people of all ages. Entertainment and activities during the event include tractor rides, touch a truck, d.j., costume parade, face painting, reptile exhibit, and games and prizes. Heidi Crosby City of Gloucester Halloween Party United States Gloucester, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/gloucester tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/232180 2023-09-28T00:00:00Z 2023-09-29T03:41:25Z My name is Tasha R. Gray and I work at Simon House. I am the Admin. Community Services Manager. On 9-9-23 we had our first annual Family Resource Fair & Giveaway. We are a small community and we had over 200 people there. We had educational resource's, kid's activities, free clothing, household items, Bombas socks, government assistance, single mom groups, popcorn, popsicles, new shoes, Covid vaccines, the flu vaccine and so much more . We also had a barber donate her time and we were able to give hair cuts to 12 community members. The way people lit up and instantly felt better about themselves was heartwarming. I had already planned on having this event yearly. The turnout was amazing and our community members and leaders loved it. After all the positive feedback I have definitely decided we need to do this for our community again. We provided essentials to our homeless population and our underserved population. We help our unhoused by connecting them to resources for housing, mental health, health and food assistance. For our house population we help with daily essentials along with food boxes, rent assistance and Case Management to help prevent homelessness. We also have a Family Homeless Shelter and a Day Center for homeless individuals. We centered in our community and helping everyone. We also did this huge community event on a budget of $0. Everything was donated and we had volunteers. What we did for Frankfort was immeasurable. I can only imagine what I could do if I had a budget. I would make sure our next event will be even better, especially if we get the grant. I am going to add a job fair portion, mental health portion and more educational yet fun things for the younger kids in our community. Kids in our underserved population do not get to enjoy fun things, especially free to the parents. We made sure every thing was free to all of our neighbors, family and friends in our community and neighboring communities. Tasha R. Gray Family Resource Fair & Giveaway http://SImonhouseky.org Worldwide Homelessness (Inactive) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/homelessness tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/234826 2023-09-27T00:00:00Z 2025-03-13T15:39:19Z Traditional social justice efforts chronicle Black American experiences by highlighting violent histories and intersectional oppression. While it is important to combat the material consequences and emotional toll of violence and exclusion on Black people, an unintended outcome is that we are only known for the things done to us and are characterized in perpetual struggle. This approach erases the fullness of Black people’s humanity, particularly how we experience joy and affirm ourselves as a people. This challenge is even more difficult to overcome in State College due to the dearth of spaces dedicated to making Black residents feel seen and joyful outside the parameters of Black History Month and calendarized events marking Civil Rights landmarks. The Black Joy Archive is an initiative that seeks to address this missing component of justice work in State College. The initiative comprises of two components: a funk-inspired concert called “Tonight, We Dance!” tentatively scheduled for Saturday, November 11, 2023 and a pop-up expo. During the performance, audience members will respond the question, “where do you experience or observe Black joy in State College?” Responses will be written down on blank cards and pinned to the expo wall, giving others opportunity to read multiple responses. We plan on conducting short video interviews with willing audience members and will ask them about their engagement with the show and their response to the expo question. The goal is to generate multiple artifacts that will constitute State College’s inaugural Black Joy Archive. The written responses, interviews, and concert recording will be submitted to the Racial Equity Advisory Commission to record as public local history. We also hope to submit the artifacts to Penn State’s Blockson Collection of African-Americana and the African Diaspora, so that these experiences of joy are well documented and preserved for future generations. Wideline Seraphin "Tonight, We Dance!"- Concert & Black Joy Expo https://radio.wpsu.org/race-identity-and-culture/2018-10-17/soul-space-uses-music-for-storytelling-and-healing-in-state-college United States State College, PA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/statecollege tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/230967 2023-09-27T00:00:00Z 2023-10-17T20:56:58Z Wolves is an upcoming horror short film. While on their way to a late-night rave several groups of friends are attacked by packs of rabid werewolves The final short film will be released in 2025. The funds from this grant will go towards the cast and makeup artists during filming. http://www.coolcats.shop/wolves Chris X Wolves https://youtu.be/yBSxSN5fLDU United States Chicago, IL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/chicago tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/231714 2023-09-27T00:00:00Z 2023-09-30T18:20:44Z We're a Toronto-based award-winning independent podcast network featuring local performers, writers, producers, comedians, and editors. We believe in uplifting local artists because they're the foundation of our culture. In most places, and especially in Canada, performers and artists struggle to make careers out of their work. Since 2017 we have been building a community around local podcasters with the aim of helping their voices get heard and helping to advance their entertainment careers and get paid for their work. Marianna Miniotis The Sonar Podcast Network http://www.thesonarnetwork.com Canada Toronto https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/toronto tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/232959 2023-09-27T00:00:00Z 2024-02-02T21:57:33Z I am writing to seek your support for a transformative project aimed at enriching the lives of the young minds in our community. As a dedicated educator, I believe in the power of sports and creative expression to inspire and shape the future leaders of our society. Project Needs: Badminton Equipment: We are looking to establish a vibrant ELO for our badminton class at our school and community. Badminton is not just a sport; it's an opportunity for our students to stay active, build teamwork, and develop discipline. To make this possible, shuttlecocks, and feeding machine. Modeling Kits: We also want to ignite their artistic talents through hands-on modeling ELO. These ELO's will encourage students to explore their creativity and develop fine motor skills. We are seeking modeling kits that include miniature figures. Project Impact: By providing access to badminton equipment and modeling kits, we aim to achieve the following outcomes: - Encourage physical fitness and teamwork among our students. - Foster creativity and artistic expression. - Enhance fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities. - Create a positive and engaging after-school environment. Why Your Support Matters: Your generous donation will make a lasting impact on the lives of our students. It will provide them with opportunities for physical activity, creative exploration, and personal growth. By contributing to this project, you are investing in the future of our community and helping us nurture well-rounded individuals. Thank you in advance. Zi Wu Empowering Youth Through Sports and Creativity https://www.donorschoose.org/project/empowering-youth-through-sports-and-crea/7807883/?utm_source=dc&utm_medium=page&utm_campaign=project&utm_term=teacher_8819306&rf=page-dc-2023-09-project-teacher_8819306&challengeid=22059572 United States Oahu, HI https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/oahu tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/228435 2023-09-26T00:00:00Z 2023-09-27T16:12:35Z We just soft launched our community peer support outreach days on 7/11 and 7/13. Our peer support is for neurodivergent, disabled, queer, and mad-identifying folk. A pair of folks from our 5 person team drove to meet with people in Multnomah County who scheduled a peer support visit with us. We met in their homes or a place they felt most comfortable (like a park). Since our name is Call Bubbie ("grandma" in Yiddish) we brought a bag of goodies (mental health buttons, Oreos, and strawberry hard candy) and a print out we created specific to each person we visited of resource referrals. This referral sheet included peer support resources and local resources. They were important because for further connecting folks after the call ended since broader disability and mental health disabilities can be really isolating. When visited folks out in the community, we did a 1.5-2 hour peer support session. We like to say that peer support sessions act as a way for someone to not have to be in their brain alone. After the call, we followed up with any additional resources and peer groups we thought would be beneficial. Ultimately, we would also like to host a monthly peer support group folks can be referred to after our visit ends. Bee Sheeler Call Bubbie https://www.callbubbie.org/ United States Portland, OR https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/portland tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/230663 2023-09-26T00:00:00Z 2023-09-27T00:34:49Z I am currently working on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts. For my project I am working with Old Farm Rockport to give them a permanent structure over an activities table they use and a native plant garden. Old Farm Rockport is a non profit that houses people with severe brain injuries. In addition, they run programs for non resident community members. There are two parts to my project. They have a patio next to a shed. I am creating a roof structure to cover the patio used for work projects and eating. It will be 10'x12' and have a pitched top. I will have to clear the area out for where my roof project will be. They have some old flower planters there that I will have to remove so I can create my covering. I will also be taking out a window and restructuring the side of the shed to fit a new door that connects to the covered area to help with accessing the shed. This will allow the residents to use the area during inclement weather as well as provide shade during summer days. Currently they do not utilize the area if it is raining or too hot. I will also be creating a native plant garden that will help restore a balanced ecosystem there. It will be located right at the entrance of their property. They have a fenced in flower garden that is a major part of their summer program. They wish to start a multi year project to develop a portion of their front lawn into an area filled with native plants. I will clear an area for future planting. I will also be constructing a 10 by 10 flower bed for native plants to better help the environment there and to help the residents. Anna Drost Eagle Scout Project to Benefit Old Farm Rockport United States Rockport, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/rockport tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/231519 2023-09-26T00:00:00Z 2023-10-02T15:56:22Z The Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter in Partnership with the National Museum of Mexican Art and local artist (Gabriel Moreno) have come together to create an ofrenda honoring those who have passed away from Alzheimer's and dementia. To celebrate the ofrenda, we will also be hosting a community event which will be free to attendees. For everyone who comes to see the ofrenda, they will also have the chance to upload a picture of their own loved one who has passed from the disease to our digital ofrenda (https://alzheimers-illinois.org/Ofrenda/). Throughout this project, we hope to raise awareness of the free bilingual resources that the Alzheimer's Association can provide to family members in the Hispanic/Latino community. Amelia Garza Alzheimer's/Dementia Ofrenda https://alzheimers-illinois.org/Ofrenda/ United States Chicago, IL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/chicago tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/233654 2023-09-25T00:00:00Z 2023-09-27T01:28:17Z I would like to use the funding to bring back our community's Halloween Haunted House this year and ensure we can continue this event annually. The Haunted House will consist of 5-7 Halloween themed rooms to include the Field of Screams, Creepy Clown Carnival, the Zombie Asylum, the Butcher Shop, Ghost Resurrection, and the Purge. Kids ages 12 and under will be guided in groups through a tour of the Haunted House as they try to "survive" from our scare actors inside. The tour last 10-12mins. After the tour, each child will receive a candy bag. This event will be FREE for all of the children in our community. Once Halloween is over, all of the decor, props, machines and masks will be stored properly for use again. Marquis Haskel SW (Bellevue) Halloween Haunted House United States Washington, DC https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/dc tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/223353 2023-09-25T00:00:00Z 2023-09-25T14:59:57Z The Wilds is a 40 acre park and nature reserve close to the inner city of Johannesburg, South Africa. It was derelict and abandoned 9 years ago, when I began a clean-up which grew into a volunteer-driven restoration, transorming this historic space into a sanctuary for nature, enjoyed by an extraordinary diversity of people. It has gone from being a space feared by the residents of the city, to the top-rated park in the city, and the winner of several awards. One of the key elements used to bring people back to the park has been the installation of artworks, which I began by donating my own sculptures, and since grown to include many other artists. We have found that mosaic works very well - it's brightly coloured, hardy in this outdoor environment, and benefits many emerging artists. And, we can commission designs which put a spotlight on local wildlife and flora, bringing an educational element - the park is visited by thiousands of children every month, and this is a visual way to teach them. The Wilds is a public park, free of charge to everyone, open every day of the year, and owned by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo. The Friends of The Wilds is a registered non-profit, and enables specialist improvement projects in this public space. James Delaney Mosaics for The Wilds https://www.facebook.com/groups/1582183308538762 Worldwide Awesome Without Borders (Inactive) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/awesomewithoutborders tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/228429 2023-09-21T00:00:00Z 2023-10-19T21:17:08Z I am developing a 2SLGBTQ+ choir open to 2SLGBTQ+ and allied adults of the Kingston region. 2SLGBTQ+ choirs have been site to connect with similar-identity peers, build community, develop musical skills, and engage in political advocacy. Canada has seen rates of hate crimes rise in recent years, and I can think of no better response than gathering together to make something beautiful and share it with the world. Choirs are a great gathering place that is structured, non-sexual, and sober - making it a safe place to find community outside of gatherings at bars. Choral participation can also improve health equity, self-esteem, which is highly relevant as 2SLGBTQ+ Canadians are more likely to experience mental illness and healthcare discrimination. My hope is that we can be a safe haven for 2SLGBTQ+, questioning, and allied people to find solace and build a healthy and diverse community in a time of sociopolitical turmoil. Ren Challacombe Spectrum Voices - A 2SLGBTQ+ Choir https://linktr.ee/spectrumvoices Canada Kingston https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/kingston-on tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/229955 2023-09-21T00:00:00Z 2023-10-19T15:18:21Z Norland Middle, located in Miami, is a Magnet Arts and Drama school that serves 680 students of which approximately 80% of the students receive free and reduced lunch. My personal desire is to volunteer after school and teach at least 20-30 Honor Roll students each quarter how to craft, and use the Cricut machines to make T-shirts for our different Clubs and student of the month while learning a skill to be self-sufficient and become future entrepreneurs if given a grant to purchase these tools. With the skill, the students will learn how to assist in the enhancement of simple drama and dance costumes, t-shirts, or personalized items in-house. They will learn how to design props and build stages and backdrops for all school productions that have been outsourced for years. Receiving the financial support to purchase the tools to launch this program, students will eventually learn a skill that they can use to start their own small business from designing a website for placing orders, to sewing, photography, videography, and much more. They will learn how to manage a business by learning about financial management, credit management, investing, and savings as part of the curriculum. Allowing our students to participate in these programs and activities will create a sense of school pride. It will give them a chance to apply the knowledge they attain in the classroom through real-world projects or even by starting their own small business. Marica Mitchell Norland Middle School Business Center United States Miami, FL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/miami tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/228447 2023-09-20T00:00:00Z 2023-09-25T23:56:26Z Westlakes Athletics Club is a local volunteer-run non-profit organisation that has a strong tradition of providing athletics training and competition for local families in the Westlakes region and surrounds. We strive to keep our registration fees as low as possible to enable greater participation amongst local families, however this means that the majority of our facilities tend to be either donations from local entities and residents, or scraped together with the limited resources that we have. We use Wangi Athletics Oval for our competition nights and annual Gala day, and conduct the majority of the upkeep and maintenance of the oval ourselves, despite it being a Council facility and used by the local community. Outside of our athletics events, members of the local community regularly use the facilities 7 days a week, for athletics training, general fitness, and play. It is also used by the Wangi Warriors Rugby League Club. This maintenance incurs a cost that we struggle to cover with our limited funds. We are seeking assistance with some of the basic maintenance so that not only can we can continue to offer our services to our local families for the upcoming athletics season (starting 1st September), but so that the local community members who use these facilities during the week can continue to safely do so. We would be delighted to acknowledge Awesome Lake Mac's support with social media and website recognition and have the ability to place branding at our events if requested. Tony Campbell Maintenance of Wangi Athletics Oval http://www.westlakeslac.org.au/ Australia Lake Mac https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/lakemac tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/226348 2023-09-19T00:00:00Z 2023-11-28T13:45:24Z **website is for the park friends group, we don't yet have a dedicated food forest website Fernhill Park is Philadelphia's 2nd largest city park, and within it are many areas that have been neglected and overgrown with aggressive weeds. In 2021 we began transforming one of these areas into a community "food forest"- in short, a diverse planting of edible plants that seek to mimic a forest ecosystem. Focusing on perennials, we have over a dozen fruits trees, shrubs, berry bushes, herbs, flowers, with many annual vegetables as well. The food forest has already brought many people in the surrounding community together in a magical way, sparking interest and engagement from all ages and socio economic backgrounds. We have hosted educational activities with children from the neighborhood and 2 different nearby schools, and the diversity (and deliciousness) of what is growing has something to interest anyone. The mission of the food forest is one of empowerment, health, education, and connection. Many people in our community have little to no access to healthy produce. The benefits of bringing everyone together to grow our own fruits, vegetables and herbs is honestly too long to list in this application, but I hope will be sufficiently self evident. Jaron Olevsky Fernhill Food Forest https://www.friendsoffernhill.com/ United States Philadelphia, PA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/philadelphia tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/226906 2023-09-19T00:00:00Z 2024-05-13T08:09:01Z Following on from a successful theme from the Fleurieu Future Leaders Program, of the importance of "growing your forest" (building community connection being the key to resilience), I'm proposing a project to deliver a podcast series (10x episodes) of conversations with Fleurieu leaders. The podcast would consist of me having heart-led conversations with Fleurieu icons, in relation to mental health, personal reflections, experiencing of supporting others, building healthy culture within their organisations and wider community. The intention is to gain insight, advice, stories and support strategies for the wider community, as we continue to navigate increased challenges in life. The podcast will aim to build a greater sense of community and highlight the importance of "growing your forest" in order to be resilient in the face of adversity. As a registered counsellor, mental health advocate and educator, the conversations will be strengths focussed and trauma informed. The intention would be to ensure listeners are inspired to lean into the challenges of life, knowing they have the collective support of their community. I anticipate leveraging existing relationships within the Fleurieu community to support and promote the series. Matt Newlands Community Connection-Growing the Fleurieu Forest Australia Fleurieu https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/fleurieu tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/227856 2023-09-19T00:00:00Z 2023-08-29T14:38:15Z We, all across the Board, have seen a drastic increase in food insecurity. We are no strangers to this at Dr. Denison SS. Last year, we were able to secure funding from President's Choice Children's Charity that we will now not be getting. Those funds allowed us to provide healthy breakfast and lunch choices to our student population. At the present time, we do receive some funding from the Ministry and we also have partnered with Food Banks of York Region but this is not sufficient to offer the quality of programming we wish to offer. We are wanting to build intentional community by caring for each other in various ways. We would have our hospitality students cook meals once a week for students who may need meals due to financial challenges in their homes. Rita Goverde Denison Nutrition Program http://www.yrdsb.ca/schools/denison.ss/Pages/default.aspx Canada Newmarket https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/newmarket-ontario tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/233069 2023-09-19T00:00:00Z 2023-10-18T13:24:01Z Eu Zélia Aparecida Teixeira moradora a mais de 25 Anos no Parque da cachoeira , sendo a 15 Anos desde 2015 onde eu iniciei um projeto social , devido ter uma grande quantidade de crianças no bairro. Onde não proporciona atividade esportiva , cultural e musical , onde as crianças ficam sozinhas , jogadas na rua , sem motivação , não ganham presentes . em seus dias de aniversários eu e mais algumas amigas fizemos a primeira confraternização social , com as mães e as crianças . onde fornecemos alimentação brinquedos , para as crianças brincarem , como pula pula piscina de bolinhas, maquina de algodão doce maquina de pipocas , Palhaços. E onde no final , nos realizamos uma distribuição de brinquedos . Onde possivelmente as crianças ganham esses brinquedos durante o ano , somente nesse evento . Sendo assim estou enviando as fotos das imagens que realizamos no ano de 12/10/2022 . Devido ao rompimento da Vale muitas dessas crianças estão fazendo tratamento psicológicos Zélia Aparecida Teixeira 15 Anos de Ação Social Parque da Cachoeira Brazil Brumadinho https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/brumadinho tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/230461 2023-09-18T00:00:00Z 2023-10-16T05:21:40Z #TOYZSTEAM Dah-Varsity Scholars is a program focused on increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) creator industry. Through its Dah-Varsity app, users are taken into an interactive world where people are empowered to be the superhero version of themselves. The goal is to improve the economic mobility of disadvantaged populations by exposing them to STEAM. The program uses digital storytelling, 3D modeling, game design, coding, audio production, music, and entrepreneurship to teach students how to create, sell, and tell their stories through designing and manufacturing superhero toys. Damola Idowu TOYZSTEAM and the DAH-VARSITY SCHOLARS https://toyzelectronics.com/ United States Pittsburgh, PA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/pittsburgh tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/233367 2023-09-18T00:00:00Z 2023-10-06T17:40:21Z "Arts in the Hills" aims to unite the community through creativity and artistry, fostering a sense of pride and appreciation for the immense talent that resides within Pine Hills. Mark your calendars for a day of artistic immersion and cultural revelry that promises to leave you inspired and enchanted. This one-day event promises an immersive experience, bringing together an array of performing arts performances that include dance, acting, film, singing, instrumentalists, comedy, and local artists. Jeremiahya Anderson Arts in the Hills United States Orlando, FL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/orlando tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/233486 2023-09-18T00:00:00Z 2023-09-19T11:58:27Z SHADOW DANCING is inspired by a series of unique photographs by award winning multi disciplinary artist FRANC PALAIA, based on an historic series of urban wall paintings by world renowned and street artist pioneer, Richard Hambleton. The photo series entitled, NightLife, is a collection of color photographs taken by Palaia in New York City from 1981-87. The black shadow wall paintings depict standing, posing and jumping life sized human figures that appeared throughout NYC and the world, a total of 400 or 500 in total. In the early 1980s, these ominous black shadow figures caused a sensation of fear, mystery, anxiety and un-ease throughout NYC and worldwide Shadow Dancing is an animated version of the NightLife photographs. The performance includes four dancers, dressed in black and moving and posing, simulating the shadow paintings but animated accompanied by live music performed by Nate Jackson (Nick’s twin brother) on keyboards and artist Franc Palaia on drums and percussion. The dancers move behind a large 10’x40’ translucent scrim which is illuminated from behind, and in turn makes the dancers appear only in shadow. The performers pose, dance, twirl and jump according to the musical beat. The musical beats include Hip Hop, Fusion, Afro, ethereal and Funk. A variety of props help to enhance the animated dancers which include wings, headwear, swords, sparklers and rope. The dancers perform individually as well as in groups of two , three and four. The audience can follow along by identifying particular moves and poses that resemble the shadow figures in Palaia’s NightLife photo book. My Goal with this project is to create a platform for Dance theater programming for the youth of Poughkeepsie. A combination of dance, music, and photography. Nicholas Jackson Shadow dancing United States Poughkeepsie, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/poughkeepsie tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/222319 2023-09-18T00:00:00Z 2023-09-18T20:35:36Z In the poverty- and trauma-impacted rural community of Taos in northern New Mexico, Queerious is an off-campus, innovative, and rare after-school program for LGBTQIA+ teens to tell their stories and feel free to talk about their feelings and share their struggles without judgment or stigma. We have the goals of supporting LGBTQIA by listening to their struggles; and of creating a media format that projects their true stories. Led by a multi-lingual self-identified lesbian with a passion for human rights and self-expression. HOW? • Our overall objective will be to tell our stories without judgment or stigma, have a dialogue about the importance of intersectionality, mental health disparities across social identities, risk factors involving being out and or staying in the closet, we will take a look on how conversion therapy affects a human being in their entire life span, how parents view their LGBTQIA+ child, affirming spaces and activities specially at school, policies and practices that support transgender and non-binary youth among other topics that may arise. • After covering most or all of the topics above we will evaluate how and where to tell our stories. And having all the necessary tools, we can produce a short film, a podcast, or film a short doc-series (that could be a continuous form of art that we can pass on to future students.) WHAT? A Podcast (this will cover several topics!) PSAs (sound and restricted images/video) Anything the students want to create! Later: A film Photograph exhibit Welcome Lindsey Queerious http://www.TrueKids1.org Worldwide Awesome Without Borders (Inactive) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/awesomewithoutborders tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/226484 2023-09-15T00:00:00Z 2023-10-01T15:50:46Z At Farm in the Dell, our mission is transforming disabilities into abilities through purposeful work and life experiences in a community farm setting. We don’t just grow produce. At our core, we serve people with developmental disabilities – adults, young and old, who live with Autism, Down’s Syndrome, etc. who were born with chronic conditions and were dealt a hand in life that no amount of money, hours in the field, or boxfuls of tomatoes will ever erase. With that said, we work hard everyday to support our employees through livable wages, prayer, friendship. In our commitment to further the mission/impact at the farm, we are looking to further expand our employment opportunities. Currently, our space at the farm consists of tilled field and a pole barn (with no bathroom, no floor, no heat, no air condit), not allowing us to provide employment outside of the growing season, which is between May - Oct. It is with deep sadness that we have to say goodbye to our employees each fall, hoping/praying that they not only return the following spring, but, more importantly, that they find other means of employment/other places to belong/have purpose during the off-season. Because we don’t have a usable structure on the farm to grow produce outside of the regular growing season, we don’t have a way to start seedlings in the spring, meaning that we have to either rent space from a local nursery or outsource the process. In turn, it forces us to stall the onboarding of our employees until we are ready to transplant our seedlings into the ground, and we lose out on them being a part of the initial planting process in early spring. Starting this year, we are attempting to lengthen our employment season by renovating the old unusable greenhouse on our property, which was built/used before we moved onto the property. If we had a working greenhouse on-site, we start our own seedlings and do succession planting, allowing us to lengthen our employee season by one to two months. Anna Sather Greenhouse Ronnovation http://farminthedellrrv.org United States Cass Clay https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/cassclay tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/231436 2023-09-14T00:00:00Z 2023-11-30T00:23:42Z We are proud to announce our 22nd $1,000 grantee, Mississippi Meets Mississippi. We chose this project because Mississippi Creative Arts Elementary School is building community with this project. Fourth and fifth grade students will have a hands-on learning experience on the Mississippi River to better understand the river’s connection to science, history, art and culture. According to Kathleen Kreitzer, teacher and grant applicant, "Our school, Mississippi Creative Arts is working to build identity and community. The theme for our year is "Mississippi Meets Mississippi." We are attempting to create hands on experience that connect students to the Mississippi River and provide them with a better understanding of the river and its connection to science, history, art, culture, etc. Last year during PLC (professional learning community) every grade level brainstormed focused lessons on our theme. Teachers would like to offer field trip opportunities for our students that connect to this learning. The Big River Journey would be a perfect field trip. Students would actually get to be on the Mississippi River for a memorable hands on learning experience. From the experience, our students will create an art piece to be shared at an All School Assembly. " Katie Kreitzer Mississippi meets Mississippi (River Boat Journey https://riverrides.com/school-trips/big-river/ United States St. Paul, MN https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/stpaul tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/230997 2023-09-13T00:00:00Z 2023-09-14T13:40:01Z Since World War II, American’s have been convinced that the only attractive lawn is a monoculture– a dedicated space around a home covered uniformly with only one type of plant: turfgrass. This is terrible-- for the soil, for our aquifers, and for our pollinator friends. The chemical lawn industry has marketed a standard ideal to Americans which is simply unsustainable– in both the short term and the long term. Because of the chemical industry’s marketing, any amount of diversity is seen as a failure in one’s lawn. Prior to World War II, however, plants like clover were regularly included in standard grass seed mixes and dandelions were not seen as a nuisance. Homeowners far too often expect perfection from their lawn, because this is what the chemical industry has convinced us is “normal.” In an ongoing effort to attain that level of perfection, synthetic chemicals are applied again and again, in the hopes that any flaws will be instantly fixed. This eradication of any amount of diversity from lawns is contributing to the decline of pollinators’ populations. Without clover populating the landscape, bees and other insects can’t find enough of the food they need to sustain their numbers. So our plan is to help homeowners incorporate Dutch White Clover back into their lawns, free of charge! As we secure funding, we'll purchase bulk clover seed, divide it into quarter-pound packages, and give it away until the supply is gone, or until we secure more funding. Steve Veldheer Pollinators Eat for Free http://www.GoodSweetEarth.org United States Ann Arbor, MI https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/ann-arbor tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/223021 2023-09-13T00:00:00Z 2023-09-16T11:51:33Z I am a clinical herbalist and herb farmer, and I want to put this show on the road so that I can reach more folks in need of holistic health! As an herbalist, accessing an apothecary is crucial-both for myself and my clients. And we don't have one anywhere close by! We are an herb desert here in Westminster. I've been having more and more people requesting herbs to support their health, but my personal apothecary is in my basement. It is not accessible to many folks, and is not the professional look I would like for it to be. Which leads me to the project: the mobile herbal clinic and apothecary! I am looking to renovate a vintage travel trailer, outfitted with my office space to meet with clients, and storage/shelving to provide bulk herbs. I would also like to provide my Reiki services here, as well. This trailer provides multiple benefits to the community. Aside from bringing it to clients who have limited access to transportation, I will also use it as my physical office space on our property, the Barefoot Medicine Farm. I offer donation-based outdoor community yoga, teach workshops about ethical harvestation and foraging, and am soon to lead plant walks. I just need a place for people to use the bathroom- hence, the trailer. Amy Boldt Mobile Herb Clinic and Apothecary http://www.thewildwomanmedicine.com United States Westminster, MD https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/westminster tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/227979 2023-09-12T00:00:00Z 2023-09-23T15:29:04Z Huge congrats to last night’s AWESOME Pitch Night winner: the group behind the Beautification of Caroline Ave. They’ll be spending the $1000 to add benches, a bike rack, and other smaller things to make the community more comfortable and cheerful for their residents. Thank you to Heidi Pearson, Tina Banks, and Ellen O’Connor! It was nearly impossible to decide the winner with 3 incredible applications, but this crew had a super strong plan, and we couldn’t say “no”. Heidi Pearson Beautification of Caroline Ave! United States Ipswich, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/ipswich