From: Kim Goodeve-Green, Director of Center Operations, Oceanside, StandUp
For Kids
Date: Friday, December 17, 2010, 11:31AM via email
Hello All,
I wanted to express to you how much you have done for our kids at the Oceanside Chapter. Whether you realize it or not, through your support of the Bro-Am, you have helped so many kids.
I would like to share with you "HOW" you have affected our kids, as I know you make your donation, but don't necessarily get to see what happens with it. Or you may not clearly realize how what you give changes kids on the other side.
There are many small ways that your support helps our kids. They look and see the names of these supporters and think, "Really? They believe in me?" And that starts a process of altering the way they view themselves. At our chapter of StandUp, we believe in "family". So when the name goes out there, and thousands of people come together to support StandUp For Kids, we make sure to let our kids know that THEY are StandUp For Kids and that brings about a huge sense of pride, for one day each year — THEY ARE SOMEBODY. It helps us to carry on that feeling throughout the rest of the year, and build upon it.
Because of the Switchfoot Bro-Am, we have watched SO MANY kids flourish. Kids who walk through our door beaten down in every way — physically, mentally, and sexually. Each child has a story (I say child because even though they may be in an adult body, they are still the scared child on the inside), and each one is just as heartbreaking as the next. Yet something happens at the Bro-Am. We watch our kids grow inside, we (the volunteers) have a chance to become family with our kids and this bond lasts throughout the year.
I really cannot express to you how grateful we are to you and your support, nor can I express verbally how your support changes lives. I can share a story of a little boy who has been in and out of shelters most of his life. Both parents have addiction issues. This child has been hurt in many ways. He is a HUGE Switchfoot fan, and because of your support of the Bro-Am, this child just graduated high school and is on to college.
Because of your support, StandUp For Kids – Oceanside is able to keep our doors open, so that this boy can come in every night, shower, eat, get clothes, school supplies, and most importantly, LOVE and support. He flourished. He did everything to make sure he did not repeat his family's mistakes, and wants to make a better life for himself. This is only one child of the 60+ kids we have coming through our doors each night. Imagine what you have done to change this world with your support.
I thank you from the deepest place in my heart for your support, and all that you have done to make a difference. You have made a difference, and we continue to take your gift and help more kids each day.
Sincerely,
Kim Goodeve-Green Director of Center Operations StandUp For Kids - Oceanside