Main fundraiser photo

NYC Public School Teacher Aide







WHO is FRANKIE FLO?

Frankie "Flo" Gonzalez or NYC FREESTYLE as he is know to many in the community is a freestyle/movement youth soccer educator and a public school PE assistant.   Born and raised in Queens, the son of Mexican immigrants, he embodies everything that is great about New York City public school education --- its diversity, hope,  and desire to overcome adversity.  Frankie Flo dreamed of being a professional soccer player and travelled to Mexico where he signed a youth contract.  Upon return to the US he was prohibited from using his soccer skills to pay for college (as he had already earned money playing soccer) and with few resources available to him he was forced to look for other avenues to use his talents. Over the last 12 years he has struggled like many NYC artists to make ends meet working as a freelance artist/educator in youth sport and sport performance (half time shows, adverts, events).   During the last 3 years he has worked with me at a public school in the east village (The Earth School) as my  part-time assistant in Physical Education.   


WHY DO WE NEED YOUR HELP?

This past September the school (the Earth School) was unable to secure funding to allow him to continue working.  It was a blow to the kids to lose such an enthusiastic and talented teacher, and also saddened me to think that the NYC school system was losing such an amazing individual.  I decided to start this fundraiser to help bring Frankie Flo back to the school.  While I am unable to post pictures from his work at the school do to DOE policy, I can assure you that he has brought so many smiles to kids over the years.  If you are unfamiliar with New York public schools you must know that many important positions, ranging from art, movement, support professionals and music within schools are partially or fully funded by parents or grants.  


IS GOFUND THE ONLY OPTION?

I have spoken directly with the Parent Association at the school and they are extremely grateful that I am taking on the project of bring Frankie back.  While of course the school is always looking for ways to raise money to help the school, I told them that I would take on this project.  Fortunately I received word from a potential donor who said that they would match whatever I was able to raise on my own.  With this great news I am very excited to launch this Fundraiser knowing that I am not alone in this effort.  If we can raise 7,000 dollars together we can ensure that Frankie can work his 25 hour per week  part time shift and get back to doing what he does best:  Helping kids smile through movement!!!!


Donate

Donations 

  • Alexander Dotov
    • $45 
    • 5 yrs
Donate

Organizer

Spinny Vinny
Organizer
New York, NY

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.