Dear Friends,

As many of you know, every Monday night for the past 5 years I've tutored a young person through a DC nonprofit called Horton's Kids. For the last 3 years I have been lucky enough to work mainly with Dion, a smart, funny boy who is now in 7th grade. I won't lie, tutoring been one of the most challenging things I've ever done. The kids have tested me in so many ways, but it's also one of the BEST thing I've ever done.  Every little breakthrough, from watching him learn a math problem or conquering a reading assignment has been a gift.  At times I questioned whether we as tutors were making a difference during the chaos that can be a tutoring night.  I absolutely know it has as I've seen the kids I've tutored weather good and bad nights, but still have a smile on their face or give me a "see you next week" hug when we say goodnight. I think the consistency of showing up week after week brings some needed stability to their lives.

As you can imagine, due to COVID the need for extra support has taken on greater urgency.  This year, I lieu of holding an in-person fundraising event, I am doing personal fundraising to help keep the organization strong.  The virtual event - Give Thanks & Give Back - will be a celebration of resilience. I could really use your help in reaching my goal of raising $1,000 to provide continued support to the many families and children in need who live in Southeast DC. Patrick and I are monthly donors and gave a special gift to support this event. 

Your gift will help in many ways: 1) Meeting health and basic food/supplies needs; 2) Bridging the digital divide by making sure every family has a device and internet access; 3) Preventing learning loss due to us not being able to tutor in-person; 4) Providing mental health and social-emotional supports. 

Please let me know if you have any questions about my campaign, my goal, or Horton's Kids. (we are will tutoring, just virtually, and if you have an interest, let me know!) And feel free to share my campaign with your friends and family on Facebook or Twitter!

Sincere thanks for your consideration.