Weekends were made to chill out from a typical long or stressful weekday. Think about it. Remember the time you met an old friend for lunch at your favorite restaurant? It was pretty exciting, right? Or how about the time you attended a day party to dance to the top 30 songs? I bet it was unforgettable.

That’s exactly what Michele and I had in mind when planning the Back To School Supply Drive, for students at our Alma Mater, Petersburg High School (PHS), located in Petersburg, VA. We wanted to provide an entertaining outlet for donors, mainly PHS alumni, to give back to students during a two-day weekend event in August. Our purpose was to bridge the achievement gap by supplying students with the necessary tools for a successful academic school year while reuniting with old classmates at Petersburg’s vibrant restaurant, Neptune’s Land and Sea.

On Friday, August 8^th, we kicked off the weekend with classic hits from PHS alumni, DJ Quest, as volunteers greeted guest dropping off  cases of college ruled paper, spiral notebooks, folders, 3 ring binders, bags of pens, highlighters, white out, index cards, book bags and more.

Some guests even hung around to fill the room with laughter, to enjoy the company of old friends, to grab a bite to eat or to indulge in  a much-needed adult drink.

We recognized that some donors were unable to travel to Petersburg to support this cause. Therefore, we created a Go Fund Me account, an online fundraising website, for monetary contributions, as well. Our goal was to raise $500; however, we exceeded those expectations. Alumni graciously donated $10-$500 that helped us reach a final amount of $1,518 for additional school supplies or to be used towards gym uniforms.

The event was a perfect reminder that serving our community doesn’t have to be boring. We made it fun and purposeful. Our mission was to bring joy to serving while providing high school students with the tools to be successful as they prepare to become future leaders in college and in their desired career path.

So we thank everyone: PHS alumni, Eureka Lodge #15 Prince Hall Masons, and community members, that participated in the Back to School Supply Drive in efforts to enhancing Petersburg High School’s community.  Without your contributions, this initiative would have been impossible.  We encourage all of you to continue to help those in need.

THANK YOU!

P.S.

Always remember, Don’t do it for the recognition or praise. Do it from the heart. Do it with love.  And do it because you remember how it felt to be loved.

Again, Thank You! 

THANK YOU!

THANK YOU!

THANK YOU!