2020 News Archive
As Holidays Approach, Local Food Pantries See Increased Demand
The Foundation launched its food pantries fundraiser back in the spring to help meet an increased demand due to COVID-19. The Foundation approved a $1,500 donation to the Healthy Harvest Food Bank in Warsaw to aid in food distribution to the outlets supporting the 22443 zip code. It earmarked an additional $3,500 to purchase gift cards to Food Lion and Hall's Supermarket, which were given to food pantries in Colonial Beach. The Foundation then challenged the community to match its $5,000 pledge and the community came through--donating over $7,000.
Since May, the Foundation has purchased and distributed almost $10,000 in gifts cards. Those cards are given out at the discretion of the food pantry to supplement needs beyond food items the pantries provide (e.g., fresh produce and dairy, and personal care items, etc.).
The holidays are approaching and COVID-10 still affects many people medically and economically. The funds originally raised are getting low, but the need is growing.
Colonial Beach Community Distributes Backpacks
Wearing masks and BAMM and CB Strong tee shirts, volunteers recently distributed backpacks to Colonial Beach families. Parents, grandparents, and students came to Colonial Beach High School by car, golf cart, and foot to receive a backpack filled with school supplies.
The event was spearheaded by Sher Lee and her organization, CB Kids. For the past seven years, CB Kids has collected and distributed backpacks and school supplies. This year, Beach Arts, Music, and Mentoring (BAMM), a fund of the Foundation, donated 121 backpacks. Generous community members dropped off school supplies and monetary donations at Colonial Beach Brewing. Using the schools' supply lists, volunteers packed the backpacks according to grade levels. Pick up began at 11 AM; by noon all had been distributed -- a total of 150 backpacks.
"Although this school year will start online, it's important for the kids to still have the supplies they need." explained Lee. "Giving the kids a new backpack, paper, and pencils gives them a feeling of normalcy in an uncertain time."
CB Kids collects clothing, supplies, and other items for local families in need throughout the year, especially back to school and during the holidays. BAMM and the Foundation supports CB Kids by providing donations, funding, and volunteers.
Five CBHS Graduates Receive Scholarships
Five Colonial Beach High School graduates received scholarships from Beach Arts Music and Mentoring (BAMM). Each were awarded a $500 scholarship to use for the upcoming academic year. Those five are:
Anastasia Harrower, who graduated 5th in the class and plans to pursue a degree in Nursing at the University of Mary Washington.
Garrett Mothershead, who played both football and baseball, and plans to seek a degree in business, with an emphasis on computer science, at Old Dominion University.
Kennedy Muse graduated 6th in the class, played basketball, and was a member of the Drama Club. She plans to study graphic design at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Madilyn Newlon is this year's valedictorian and a student in the Chesapeake Bay Governor's School. Madilyn plans to attend the University of Mary Washington and wants to be an art teacher.
Abigail Stone will begin her education at Rappahannock Community College on her way to becoming a nurse practitioner. At CBHS, she participated in the cheer squad, art club, and student government.
According to Scholarship Committee member, John Heath, BAMM, through the Foundation, makes scholarships available in the areas of nursing, the arts, and trade school and technical training. He adds, "We are honored to award scholarships to these amazing young men and women."
Heath also encourages students returning to college to apply for a Foundation scholarship to help with their continuing education. To qualify for a scholarship, students must perform 40 hours of community service in the Colonial Beach community, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, and have a total family income of less than $65,000.
Compendium of Organizations Providing Services
Foundation President Eric Nelson recently led an effort to identify available resources that can help individuals and families during this time of need because of the COVID-19 pandemic. You can download the Compendium of Organizations Providing Services below. Please share it with anyone you know who can use the information.
Led by the Foundation, the Community Supports the Food Pantries During Pandemic
In April 2020, after reaching out to other local organizations and the schools and churches, the Foundation's Board of Directors determined that supporting the local food pantries was the best way for the Foundation to help the community in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. With so many out of work, the local food pantries have been struggling to keep up with the need for assistance. Consequently, the Foundation donated $5,000 and organized a fundraiser to match the donation for the food pantries. Read the press release to learn the details of the donation and fundraiser.
Give to the Colonial Beach Community Foundation.