Due to a serious health issue, our corporate sponsor is unable to fulfill their original commitment, which has unfortunately left us with no means to fund our event.

We are now just $2900 (it was $4500!) short of making it happen the way our students deserve.

I founded the Debutantes Program at our high school in the Annapolis area after seeing a need for mentorship, confidence-building, and real support for young women in our community. What started as a small school-based program has grown into something truly life-changing. My goal was to give opportunity without the barrier of cost by making it a fully funded program.

The Annapolis area is known for being the home of the Naval Academy and a welcomed tourist attraction. While seemingly an area of affluence and wealth, the city has a large number of students/families whose households face the challenges that have created barriers to access of opportunities that help them move forward successfully as they transition into adulthood.

That being said, for the past three years I've funded the program with personal funds along with very small fundraisers & some really awesome volunteers. The funding covers everything from ball gowns, Jr. Escorts attire, rehearsal, decor, food, and now scholarships.

We need to raise another $4800-$5000 (now $2900) to finish paying for the venue & food, cover the costs for a few more gowns, decor, and program printing. I am sharing this as my heart breaks at the thought of disappointing the students since they have worked so hard all year long.

Through this program, students learn confidence and self-worth, leadership and life skills, financial literacy and personal responsibility, the importance of grace, discipline, and community...without the barrier of cost.

Last year, I made the decision to step away from full-time teaching to fully commit to this work. That decision led to the creation of The Bridge Gap Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to helping students continually gain access to opportunities they might not otherwise have.

The 2026 Debutante & Scholarship Ball will be held at the local Crowne Plaza Hotel—giving our students a truly elevated experience that reflects their growth and hard work. Also, this year I've created some new scholarships for students. My goal is to be able to award at least two scholarships named in honor of our greatest supporters and cheerleaders in the Annapolis community.

But with that step comes increased costs. We are currently $2,900 short of covering the venue and catering, in addition to the new scholarships for the Debs. For many of our students, this program is more than an event—it’s a turning point. It’s mentorship, it's exposure. It’s being seen and celebrated in a way they may never have experienced before.

The Ask

We are asking for your support to help us cross the finish line.

No amount is too small.

If we exceed our goal, funds will continue to support students through The Bridge Gap Collective—helping with college readiness, mentorship, and life after high school.

Thank you for believing in our students.

Let’s Bridge the Gap—together.

Donate Today!

Mrs. B.