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The Davie Community Foundation SURF Board Youth Grantmakers raised almost $9,000 in February thanks to the supporters of the POPSICLE 5K.

In April, SURF used those profits to award grants for youth-led projects in Davie. Following interviews with requestors, four projects were selected to receive funding:

• Davie County Early College National Honor Society – $700 to continue the Bundles of Love project in memory of Adrianna Barber. They will buy comforting items and assemble bags for children entering the Dragonfly House Program;

• Davie County High School Band – $4,474 for instrument replacement and repair. Davie High Band program does not receive funding from the school, they rely on donations, fundraisers, or grants to purchase items;

• Davie County Exceptional Children Department – $2,100  to provide autism awareness and enrichment for students. The first part of the project is geared towards helping kids in EC classes. They will assemble “sensory kits” which would include fidget toys, wobble seats, headphones, and stretchy bands to give to all the EC classrooms in the county.

The second part focuses on raising awareness about autism for the elementary age students. It can be hard for younger kids to understand autism so they will supply the six elementary schools with books that can explain autism in a way that children can better understand; and

• NC Fusion – $575 for the  TOPSoccer Futures Program. TOPSoccer is a community program that provides activities for physically and mentally challenged kids. On Sundays, kids participate in a “glorified field day.” There are individual activities such as shooting a soccer ball, blowing bubbles, snowball fights, as well as group games. The grant will provide supplies for the games.

On May 2, SURF hosted their “Big Check Celebration” to hand out the awards. More than 50 parents and friends were in attendance. They enjoyed refreshments and conversation with SURF Board members. Updates from previous recipients were given before the checks were presented.

“Congratulations to SURF for a very successful event and for awarding grants that will make a difference for Davie young people,” said Jane Simpson, foundation president and CEO. “Thank you to the community for your support of these young people.”

To learn more, contact Simpson at (336) 753-6903 or jsimpson@daviefoundation.org or visit www.daviefoundation.org.