At the 10th Anniversary Soccer Ball, Urban Initiatives announced the creation of the Paula Harrison Armstrong “Lead Strong” Endowment. This endowment will honor the legacy of Paula Armstrong who was a fundamental member of the Urban Initiatives family and passed away in 2014. Paula was a tireless advocate for the children in our programs, and her enthusiasm encouraged countless others to get involved with our work. The endowment will continue the work Paula began by supporting Urban Initiatives service learning projects for students in the Take the Lead program, and will also award an annual stipend to a specific Team Captain to recognize leadership excellence through the “Lead Strong Team Captain of the Year Stipend.” Paula’s thirteen-year-old son, Chase, proudly made the announcement for Urban Initiatives.
The Armstrong Family is generously matching gifts large and small until our initial goal of a $100,000 endowment is reached. This endowment would generate an estimated $3,000 in annual earnings. It is planned that each year Urban Initiatives will use one third of the earnings to support up to 27 service learning projects that will be completed by 150 Team Captains in the program. Additionally, two thirds of the earnings will form a stipend to be annually awarded to the Team Captain of the year at the Soccer Ball. Lavell Butler received the Troy Cameron Team Captain of the Year Award at this year’s Soccer Ball. He will be the first beneficiary of the Armstrong endowment stipend. This will allow for more intensive leadership opportunities such as summer programs, alternative spring breaks, and courses through the National Outdoor Leadership School. Team Captains will be guided in the selection of the leadership opportunity which will be approved by Urban Initiatives staff.
As Chase mentioned during the announcement, “When you donate to the Lead Strong Endowment you are giving hope, you’re giving an opportunity to young bright energetic leaders of the next generation.” We are already halfway toward our goal with nearly $27,000 raised from 60 generous supporters before a match is made. If you would like to support the endowment, please make a donation here…
