With great consideration of the physical, emotional, and economic toll the current COVID-19 pandemic has taken on our society, I am asking for the support from anyone who is in a position to do so to help donate any amount to the A Better Chance 1,000 Alumni Challenge (regardless of whether you are an alumni of the program or not). 

As one of the more than 16,500 Alumni of A Better Chance, I received access to an educational opportunity in the form of attending Deerfield Academy that completely altered the trajectory of my life, which culminated in me becoming the first person in my immediate family to obtain not only a bachelor's degree, but professional doctorate as well. Now as a member of The National Advisory Council, I am proud to be able to pay it forward and support A Better Chance to identify and assist the next generation of young people of color to fulfill their potential and eventually assume positions of responsibility and leadership in our society.

As a non-profit, this is a defining moment for A Better Chance. It will be operating without the revenue generated from its largest fundraiser, the Annual Luncheon, which takes place every June and raises over $1 Million for the organization. The new realities made necessary by COVID-19 also require critical adjustments to the services A Better Chance offers to their scholars and families. The organization is working hard to leverage technology in new ways and needs financial resources to ensure the continuity of its programming to its scholars, which includes standardized testing, admissions preparation, leadership training, and support with securing financial aid.

Without additional financial support, initiatives that played a significant role in my experience as A Better Chance Scholar and admission to Deerfield Academy, are in jeopardy. Simply put, opportunities for A Better Chance Scholars to change their lives simply cannot be lost because of COVID-19. 

It is in this spirit, that I ask you to support A Better Chance between May 5th and June 2nd. Your donation is tax deductible and 100% of your donation will be used to help continue programming for promising young people of color.

Thank You,

Reggie

P.S. check out the below video by The National Advisory Council as we talk about the impact A Better Chance had on our lives:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rF4W7nNsyg&feature=youtu.be