Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Sean Lane

Davie SURF Board

The SURF Board Youth Grant maers awarded $8,812 worth of grants last year. The board, organized under the Davie Community Foundation, is made up of 23 high school students who have the primary goal of helping the youth in Davie County.

And each year, the board does just that through the POPSICLE 5K, raising money for the grant cycle in the spring. Whether you are a runner or a supporter of the community, promote youth philanthropy and register for the 5K on Feb. 24 by visiting daviefoundation.org and clicking on the link at the top.

“I enjoy being able to collaborate with my peers and having the opportunity to be involved in the community,” says SURF member Elliot Newsome.

The group does not waste any time, taking the first steps to plan the race in the fall. The board splits into committees such as logistics or food and fum.

However, one of the most important jobs is to reach business owners to acquire sponsorships for the 5K. It is this aspect that makes the process sustainable, giving the board the annual opportunity to host a grant cycle that has given more than $100,000 in grants to the community.

The vice president of the board, Silas Marion, received a grant of $3,500 last year, used to purchase a new professional grade trombone for the Davie High Band program.

“I love how this grant allows the students in the band program to thrive and reach their highest musical potential,” says Marion.

Another grant from last year was carried out by Sophia Brady, who was given $928 to make no-sew blankets to be distributed to children through the Dragonfly House.

But grants would not be possible without community involvement in the 5K.

Register for the POPSICLE 5K on Feb. 24 to support projects like distributing blankets or purchasing a new trombone and make youth helping youth possible one grant at a time.