In Fall 2024, I had the opportunity to take a course called “Philanthropic Leadership” with Professor Carla Ingrando. Each team had to find and represent a local non-profit organization, bring it to the class and, as a class, we awarded $58,900 in grants. My team represented Village at Ithaca and that is where my wonderful journey with Village at Ithaca had started.

Village at Ithaca’s mission is to advocate for equity and excellence for all students, particularly Black/African American, Hispanic Latino/Latinx, low income and any other underserved students within Tompkins Country through strategic community relationships, assessment of the local district’s practices and policies, and responsive programs and services.

Their vision is that all students have equal access to resources and opportunities to thrive inside and outside of school.

I have been volunteering and helping out with after school programs, supporting staff and teachers who tutor students in need of extra support. This support strengthens the likelihood that students will graduate on time.

In order to do its work, the Village needs financial resources – to pay its staff, to provide transportation to students and to maintain its facilities. Will you join me in making a gift to support Village at Ithaca?