VERO BEACH — As state and county budget cuts squeeze after-school and extracurricular programs, there is more and more of a need for non-profit groups to step in and fill those gaps in services.
To that end, the United Way of Indian River County Board of Directors voted to support two character building programs in underserved communities in Indian River County.
The Florida Comets, an up and coming sports and education organization founded by Dr. Bennie Shaw, has been granted $2,500 for its expansion in Indian River.
In addition, The Gifford Youth Orchestra was granted $5,000 to solidify its 2011-2012 programs.
Every year the United Way Board of Directors sets aside 3.5 percent of the annual campaign for special projects and emergency needs that emerge during the funding year.
“Often times, an organization has a unique opportunity or crisis that appears mid-year, this fund allows us the flexibility to step in when it’s most needed,” said United Way CEO Michael Kint.
“These two organizations offer so much more than just sports and music, they are truly life-changing experiences for those kids involved,” said Jim Ackerman, United Way Board Member and Chair of the Community Investment Committee.
The Florida Comets, only six years old, has an impressive record. The 8th grade girls team has one several state titles and participated in nationals. In addition, thirteen girls received a basketball scholarship.
The Florida Comets stress academic discipline as well as teamwork, on and off the court. In fact, 85 percent of their participating students raised their grades from a 3.2 to a 3.6.
Founded in 2003, the Gifford Youth Orchestra has a similarly successful program of helping underserved kids reach new heights.
Seventy percent of the children served by the Gifford Youth Orchestra live below the poverty line.
The “Gifford Youth Orchestra builds strength of character, a sense of culture and seeks to broaden the capacity and character of young people,” said founder Crystal Bujol.
