Kids with Cameras (a nonprofit organization)

Hi, my name is Ty Pleas and I'm a professional photographer of 13 years located in Atlanta GA. For as long as I can remember, I have had the passion of making a positive impact on my community. Over the years, I have participated in marches for social justice for juveniles to eradicate the school to prison pipeline. I have assisted in providing food for the homeless both publicly and privately. Aditionally, I have gifted my services to single mothers and seniors. And while all of my charity efforts felt good, I knew something was missing. I have always wanted to work with children. Anyone who knows me can tell you that Ty loves the kids...and they love me back!! I always knew I would end up teaching or mentoring young kids of color, but I didn't know anything beyond that. Last year during a photoshoot session, I let one of my client's kids take a picture of me with my camera. They were so delighted to photograph me and be responsible for something as awesome as a camera. It was at that moment I had an epiphany. I decided I would start a nonprofit named, Kids with Cameras. This non-profit organzation will help kids of color learn how to become photographers...but I'm not stopping there. The organziation will teach kids of color to become distinguished citizens who value their family as well as their community. It is our hope that the each one teach one mantra makes its way into the kid's hearts and establishes a culture where, in time, the kids pour back into the next generation as I have poured in them. Now, for the part everyone wants to hear, the money lol! I will use the funds to buy 10 cameras (the best the budget will allow), 10 camera lenses, 10 memory cards, 10 external harddrives, 10 tripods, 10 on camera flashes, 4 wireless triggers, 6 studio lights, 2 background stands, different colored background paper, 10 company tshirts for the students (+2 me and my assistant) and hopefully a few laptops. I would really appreciate ANY support as I'm doing this all on my own as of now. I will also accept donations of gently used photography/videography equipment. If you are within 25 miles of Atlanta, I will coordinate with you to pick up the donations. You can also drop them off. Please contact me to set that up. Thank you in advance!!!