From festivals to performances, there’s no shortage of nonprofit events this fall. Read ahead for a look at some of the chances to support local causes (or lead your own) while having a genuine good time. Also, see the latest donation from the governor’s office.
Gubernatorial Largesse
A Virginia Beach nonprofit that focuses on improving student literacy is on the receiving end of Gov. Glenn Younkin’s pledge to donate his gubernatorial salary to deserving nonprofit organizations.
The governor, along with his wife, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, donated the governor’s third quarter salary – $43,750 – to the Life Enrichment Center during an event at College Park Elementary School, one of 30 Title 1 schools served by LEC. The organization has been helping lift low-income communities in the Virginia Beach area for 20 years through literacy and technology training.
The donation is one of four gifts that the Youngkin and his wife, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, have pledged as part of their promise to donate the entirety of the gubernatorial annual salary to nonprofit organizations doing good work across Virginia. Previous awardees include Good News Jail & Prison Ministry and Operation Light Shine.
To Be There, Or Not to Be There
Just in time for Halloween and the season of the occult, Richmond Shakespeare is kicking off the first production of its 25th season with the Bard’s most famous ghost story, HAMLET. Directed by James Ricks and starring Josh Carter in the titular role, the celebrated tragedy opens October 20 and runs through November 17 at The Dominion Energy Center’s Gottwald Playhouse. “To thine own self be true” – you can find tickets and more information here.
Time to Workshop
Leadership Metro Richmond has a host of Nonprofit Board Governance Workshops coming up. Team up with other professionals to work through common challenges and learn best practices as you navigate the complexities of serving on a nonprofit board. The first one takes place on October 19 – with four more through the beginning of December. Topics and locations vary. Registration is $95 per workshop. Learn more and register here.
Ready for a Festive Fall Festival? Czech.
The 9th Annual Virginia Czech and Slovak Folklife Festival will take place on Saturday, October 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Prince George County Regional Heritage Center. The festival celebrates the culture of immigrants from Czechia, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine and other Central European countries with music, dance, crafts, costumes and food, including authentic goulash, cabbage rolls, kielbasa and sweets. Attendees can also visit the museum’s permanent Czech-Slovak gallery as well as a visiting exhibition, Famous Czech- and Slovak-Americans, which is on loan from the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The family friendly event also includes farm animals, vintage tractors and farm equipment, children’s activities and face painting.
While the event is free, proceeds from food and drink sales benefit the Heritage Center.
Kids Hike Aims to Raise $100,000+ for Blue Sky Fund
Hundreds of hikers will hit the trails on Saturday, October 21 for the annual Airington Law Hike for Kids to benefit the Blue Sky Fund, a Church Hill-based nonprofit that provides more than 40,000 hours in nature to some 2,000 Richmond-area youth each year.
Participants can choose from three courses, all beginning and ending at the Virginia War Memorial: 14 miles (beginning at 9 a.m.), 8 miles (beginning at 11 a.m.) or 3 miles (beginning at 12:30 p.m.). A post-hike celebration, including free games and live music from The Hot Seats, will take place between 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, which includes the Blue Sky Kölsch from Väsen Brewing Company. Registered hikers will receive a complimentary food and beverage ticket. Tickets are $40 for adults and $15 for children. Airington Law hopes to raise more than $100,000 to support Blue Sky’s outdoor education programs. Register and learn more here.
