by April | Community, Team Building
May 19, 2016 – We participated in our first Padres Game of the year against the San Francisco Giants which was a huge success as we partnered with the San Diego Padres Charity Ticket Program. Identified as a charity group to partner with the Padres we were sure to take full advantage and had 100% participation. Some of our guys were featured twice during the game with live shots on FriarVision.
Olijah (HEART Member) stated ” I had a great time watching the Padres with the group; it was even cooler when we were on the big screen!!! and when asked his thoughts about being on Friarvision; Olijah exclaimed “That was a great experience, I never thought that would happen to me!” all while smiling ear to ear.
We partnered with the San Diego Padres Major League Baseball’s “Commissioner’s Community Initiative” and MLB Player’s Association “Players Give Back” to donate complimentary tickets to deserving non-profit organizations who serve children within the Padres focus of LIVE (children’s health), LEARN (education) PLAY (recreation), and SERVE (military and first responders).
Though the Padres lost to the San Francisco Giants, it did not diminish the excitement of the group, all had a fabulous time staying until the last out was recorded. We look forward to our next trip to Petco Park and have to thank Christina Papasedero and the community relations and Padres Foundation for the opportunity. Shani McGowan (Parent) framed the event perfectly when he said “All the kids had a great time last night, they just wish the Padres had gotten more hits… This was the first baseball game for many of them and I’d like to thank the Padres for the opportunity.”
by April | Education, Mentoring
April 30th, 2016 – To often in today’s society the focus is on athletic prowess or celebrity; not so much on focusing on the growth of the youth and celebrating their academic accomplishments. In this vein The Blue Heart Foundation held its 2nd President volunteer award and Signing Day Celebration. The purpose of this dinner is to acknowledge the dedication and drive of the members of the Blue Heart Foundation’s mentoring program HEART (Higher Education And Rising Together) as they work to improve the quality of life of themselves as well as community.
As Blue Heart graduated their first class of seniors the feel was that one that created a sense of celebration as well as community. These young men are the driving force for many successful community clean-ups, programs and events. Blue Heart feels it’s very important to acknowledge these young men for their accomplishments. Salina Scott (Parent) stated “Our son James has had the wonderful opportunity to be part of such a great experience, The Blue Heart Foundation Inc., has given him various opportunities to better himself, and in doing so has extended his perceptions of how much he can impact others as well as himself, by showing compassion for others’ lives, and experiences. James has always had words of encouragement to share with others, but his participation with Blue Heart has allowed actions as well.”
As the awards portion of the event began with the recognition of this year’s President Volunteer Service Award winners with Bronze Level Awards going to Jamil Duke, James Scott, Jacques Morgan and Demaurier Palmer; the Lifetime Achievement Award went to Isaiah Coleman. Next came recognition from Congressman Juan Vargas by District Representative Stephanie R Allen who’s beautifully compelling presentation filled the room with appreciation and love.
Finally, we get to the signing day … Where will the seniors be taking the next step in their academic journey? First was Dallas Edge who committed to UC Merced followed by Demaurier Palmer (Alabama A&M) whom stated “When Tracy trusted me, I has no choice but to give 110 %. So, when it was my last chance to take my SAT.. I wasn’t going to let walking 6 miles stop me! Next was Jamil Duke (Sacramento State) followed by Jacques Morgan (Alabama A&M), Bernard Richardson (Northern Arizona University), James Scott IV (California State – Los Angeles) whom said “I’m not done with Blue Heart and going to come back to mentor” and closed with Isaiah Coleman whom said “I never had a fraternity of brothers until now…and I’m proud to be a member of The Blue Heart Foundation.
We want to be sure to thank both the San Diego’s Black Police Officer Association and Edith Jimmerson for their contributions. Last but not certainly not least we want to be sure to thank all the parents and community supporters. Without your support there would be no HEART of Blue Heart Foundation. Tracy Morris proudly exclaimed “I am so full of joy, pride and thankfulness that these wonderful people trust me with their most precious gift… their children”
by April | Community, Education, Volunteerism
April 30th, 2016 – The Urban League of San Diego County celebrated its 25th Annual Golden Pyramid Scholars Program. The event took place at San Diego Concourse, Golden Hall. The program was designed to identify, recruit, nurture and support students who are striving to achieve academic and economic excellence. The communities’ goal is to ensure that its future parents, politicians, scientists, carpenters, doctors, and professors are identified early and supported continuously in their quest to achieve excellence.
Members of HEART had the opportunity to not only receive awards for academic excellence with cumulative GPA’s of 3.0 and above. These dedicated, service minded young men arrived as early as 7:00 AM to provide assistance in any and every way possible. Tasks given to these young men included but were not limited to award recipient registration, door assistance, ushering and event coordination as well as handing out brochures. All 20 members in attendance received the highest accolades from the San Diego Urban League’s Young Professionals
In partnership with several community based organizations, The Blue Heart Foundation provided access to more than $50,000 in scholarships and grants. Scholarship partners included, San Diego State University; San Ysidro Health Center, and Neighborhood House Association & Urban League of San Diego County. Additional thanks goes to our military personnel who volunteered their time to help with logistics and crowd management.
The Golden Pyramid Academic Scholars Awards program provided participating organizations and businesses an opportunity to connect with more than 1,300 high-achieving underrepresented youth and their families. This year’s program attracted more than 2,529 people. Participants were encouraged to enroll in one of our year-round youth programs such as Project Ready (College Readiness Programs for males and females 11-18).
The Golden Pyramid Scholars Program features encouraging messages which promote academic achievement, civic responsibility and professional success. The programs emphasis on academic achievement and career success attracts aspiring, influential teens and young adults, ages 8-18 along with loyal parents/grandparents/guardians of all ages. These consumers bring a mindset perfect for marketing certain consumer brands, career opportunities and social campaigns that appeal to this trend-setting demographic.
by April | Community, Team Building
April 23, 2016 – It was chilly, early Saturday morning as HEART (Higher Education And Rising Together) rose to the challenge and volunteered to walk for babies… After raising $1,900, HEART also contributed throughout the day. Setting up tents, moving tables, carrying water and any other opportunities where we could lend a helping hand. As HEART Member Dallas Edge stated “Volunteering benefits the community as it shows you support it and its people”.
When you walk in March for Babies, you give hope to nearly half a million babies born too soon each year. The money you raise supports programs in your community that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies. And it funds research to find answers to the problems that threaten our babiesimage
One cool moment was after helping Jack in the Box set up their tent Jack in the Box CEO Leonard Comma stopped by to take a photo op with us. As we walked and talked the route around Balboa Park we stopped to take a few pictures, selfies and admired the beauty of the scenery…I’m always amazed and inspired when the young men from HEART show up for volunteer service… After all how often do you see high school teens show up for volunteer work at 6 AM!!!
“All we have is each other and we have to constantly give back to our community, whether it’s money,time, or expertise. It’s the only way we will get better.” says HEART member Bernard Richardson…Of course after a hard days work we had a barbecue and simply enjoyed a day in the sun… What a Great Day! The Blue Heart Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 organization, find out how you can contribute or join us by contacting us via email at theblueheartfoundation@gmail.com
by April | Education, Mentoring
Saturday, April 16, 2016 San Diego, CA HEART (Higher Education And Rising Together attended the 6th Annual Youth of Today, Leaders of Tomorrow Summit sponsored by Reach One Teach One, Inc.
These youth summits are nothing short of amazing! With over 100 youth gathered together at one time – learning, sharing and being challenged to think out of the box and push beyond status quo – The goal is to reach as many youth as we can, as fast as we can.
Summits create an environment for youth to come together and develop positive relationships with their peers, gain insight to professional and academic possibilities, and to build a strong network. These events are healthy, safe and positive recreational opportunities. Youth will leave with a sense of confidence, a forward-thinking frame of mind and new connects with peers, professionals, schools, employers and mentors; that they may have never connected with before.
Olijah (HEART Member) stated ” I had a great time watching the Padres with the group; it was even cooler when we were on the big screen!!! and when asked his thoughts about being on Friarvision; Olijah exclaimed “That was a great experience, I never thought that would happen to me!” all while smiling ear to ear.
We partnered with the San Diego Padres Major League Baseball’s “Commissioner’s Community Initiative” and MLB Player’s Association “Players Give Back” to donate complimentary tickets to deserving non-profit organizations who serve children within the Padres focus of LIVE (children’s health), LEARN (education) PLAY (recreation), and SERVE (military and first responders).
Though the Padres lost to the San Francisco Giants, it did not diminish the excitement of the group, all had a fabulous time staying until the last out was recorded. We look forward to our next trip to Petco Park and have to thank Christina Papasedero and the community relations and Padres Foundation for the opportunity. Shani McGowan (Parent) framed the event perfectly when he said “All the kids had a great time last night, they just wish the Padres had gotten more hits… This was the first baseball game for many of them and I’d like to thank the Padres for the opportunity.”
