Our anniversary at The Phil may be approaching, but quite a few local nonprofits are celebrating the same. Keep reading for inspiring award winners, exciting events and historic updates from nonprofits all over Virginia.
Hampton Roads Nonprofit Winners
Coastal Virginia Magazine has unveiled its annual list of nonprofit organizations who, by virtue of their contributions to the Coastal Virginia community, are being honored with the 2023 Giving Back Awards. Among the 20 winners is VersAbility Resources, which was named Nonprofit of the Year. The Hampton-based organization not only helps people with disabilities lead productive and fulfilling lives but also works with employers and community partners on workforce development. Here’s the full list.
Ten Years Running
Girls on the Run of Greater Richmond kicked off its 10th anniversary program this fall with a full roster of more than 330 third-through-eighth grade girls at 20 school-based and community teams across the region. The organization, which inspires girls to be “joyful, healthy and confident” by engaging in physical activity, has engaged with over 3,000 girls over the past decade in the city and surrounding counties. It marked its milestone birthday with a “Limitless Potential” fundraising event and panel in late October and will be holding a 5K run on November 19 that brings together family, friends and community members at Bryan Park. The season-ending event is open to the public. Find registration information here
We are the Champions… of Health Care
As part of its 30th anniversary commemoration of the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, whose network of clinics around the commonwealth provides an essential safety net of care for those with little or no health insurance, VAFCC is honoring eight safety net health care professionals with the Champions of Health Care awards. The awards will be presented at the Association’s 2023 Annual Conference on November 15-16 in Richmond. See the entire list of honorees.
Legendary Santa: the Tradition Continues at the Children’s Museum of Richmond
The holidays are a time of age-old traditions, and this venerable Richmond tradition dates to 1936 – when Legendary Santa and the Snow Queen first began delighting families on the 7th floor of the historic Miller & Rhoads department store. Today, some 25,000 children are expected to make their wide-eyed pilgrimages to Santa and the Snow Queen at the Children’s Museum of Richmond. The museum offers these tips for getting the most out of the day, which includes information on advanced ticket purchases. And for families with children with disabilities, Sensitive Santa visits will take place on November 29, December 1 and December 7.
Colonial Williamsburg Announces Major Fundraising Push
In anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026 – and in concert with its 100th birthday – the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is launching a $600 million fundraising campaign that will not only help preserve iconic buildings – such as the Capitol, Governor’s Mansion and Raleigh Tavern – but also support the continued restoration of such historic sites as the Williamsburg Bray School and Historic First Baptist Church, one of the nation’s first Black churches. And with a nod to the future, “The Power of Place – The Centennial Campaign for Colonial Williamsburg” also will equip the Foundation to become the world’s largest digital U.S. history museum. In making the announcement, Cliff Fleet, president and CEO of the Foundation said: “The power of this place, which was home to many of the events leading up to the American Revolution, provides us with the opportunity to offer a more complete, research-based understanding of our collective history. For more information, and the opportunity to make a gift to Colonial Williamsburg’s The Power of Place campaign, visit here.
