RIVER CITY GIVERS WEBSITE
  • Home
  • How It Works
  • Commit
  • Meetings
  • Spread the Word
  • Our Recipients
  • Presentation Information
  • Contact
  • Our Facebook
  • Our Recipients
Jill's Blankets - Recipient of 2nd Quarter 2025 Funds​
Picture
The 2nd Quarter River City Givers meeting was held April 15, 2025 at the Wyndham Swim & Racquet Club. We held a 1/2 hour social time prior to the meeting for members to meet and get to know each other. Refreshments and snacks were provided during this time. This change seemed to be a hit for everyone.
 
There were 23 people in attendance and 5 of those decided to join as new members at the meeting! Please Welcome the following to our group which now totals 51 members.
Tara Bowmaster, Veronica Lyell , Vicki Vogt, Kelly McAuliffe, and Lisa Hamilton. We are delighted to add these women and hope the membership continues to grow.

Three members submitted charities for consideration.

1. Kathy Johnson, shared with the group the Charity called Jill's Blankets. This is a group of people who make and deliver polar fleece blankets to patients undergoing chemotherapy and who were friends of the founder Jill Ward.  See more info on their website. https://jillsblankets.org/

2. Janice Louge  presented information about Destination Church at Southpark Mall Outreach. Janice shared updated information since she last presented this charity..
More information on this organization can be found at https://www.destinationchurch.com/

3l Diane Schriewer shared details on a charity we previously funded in 2019. This charity is Worthdays and was established to aid children in Foster Care. Initially the goal was to present the child with a Birthday cake and some small gifts to make them feel worthy. It has grown in many ways where they also advocate for over 500 children who are not served in the best way with the bureaucracy of the Va. Foster Care system. Find out more at www.worthdays.org

Ballots were collected and the following two past recipients shared more about their missions and how our funds have helped them in their respective operations.
 
Bruce Slough, representing St. Francis Manchester, our Oct 2024 winner gave a brief overview of the organization and the financial challenges. He thanked everyone for their interest and allowing funds to be added to the general operating fund. They are the only Assisted Living Facility in Va. offering the type of service they provide.
Ken Jordon the board member for Launch for Life who was the Jan 2025 recipient shared many stories of ways they have assisted young boys and their mothers through their personal time and efforts thereby enriching  the lives of many young boys and who do not have a father figure in their lives. Like wise the program is more successful when the Moms participate in the program. 
 
  The Winner of this quarters funds was awarded to Jill’s Blankets
 
NEXT MEETING: July 15, 2025 at Wyndham Swim & Racquet Club.  Arrive at 6:30 to meet more members.
the meeting will begin at 7pm.


The greater the participation, the larger the benefits for the chosen charities so bring a friend!
​

Q1 2025 Funds Awarded to L.A.U.N.C.H for Life!

6/12/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
River City met on Tuesday, Jan, 21st. via a zoom meeting with an attendance of 25 members.  Yeah!  A zoom meeting was held due to the chance of harsh weather that could have prevented members from coming out in bad conditions.    The first three members who had indicated in their RSVP that they had a charity to pitch were slated to speak in the order of submission.

1. Emily DeLucca provided the mission and information on  the charity called Launch for Life Emily had presented this organization at the past meeting. 

L.A.U.N.C.H for Life is a non-profit organization created to enrich the lives of young men in need of a positive male role model. Mentees and Mentors are paired together for 12-months, throughout the entirety of the program.  It is a FREE 12-Month Mentorship Program for Young Men Ages 12-16 who do not have a male role model in their lives.  Events are paired with value-based lessons that are designed to build connections, increase emotional competence, empathy, motivation, accountability and lay a foundation for resilience and growth. Participants graduate after 12 months in the program but may stay in the program to assist with new groups.

There is a highly anticipated  3 day camp that is conducted each year and is one of the larger expenses of the organization which the boys thoroughly enjoy.   https://www.thelaunchforlife.com/

2. Kathy Johnson, the next presenter shared with the group the charity called Jill's Blankets.  This is a group of people who make and deliver polar fleece blankets to patients undergoing chemotherapy and who were friends of the founder Jill Ward.  Jill's Blankets began unofficially in 2010 when Jill Ward saw a need firsthand, while undergoing chilling chemotherapy treatment & received a double-fleece blanket. 
Finding the blankets wonderfully comforting, Jill decided to make blankets and deliver them to patients at local hospitals.  She did this even as her own cancer weakened her and she began using a walker.  Two friends worked with Jill to help fulfill her mission and even promised that they would carry on her work after she died.  Since 2014 they have made and distributed over 6500 blankets.They  would use funds from our group to purchase supplies.  See more info on their website. https://jillsblankets.org/

3. Mary Gill was the final presenter and educated us about Henrico County's initiative, Project LifeSaver  which is a rapid response program aiding victims and families suffering from Alzheimer's disease, Dementia and/or Autism. 

Project Lifesaver uses new technology and specially trained officers to locate individuals who have wandered away and cannot take care of themselves. Participants are required to wear a personalized bracelet that emits a tracking signal every second 24 hours/day. 
The average rescue time after arriving at the scene is 22 minutes. Every person lost has been located with no serious injuries or deaths.
Project Lifesaver is a partnership between the Henrico County Sheriff's Office, Henrico County Police, Henrico County Fire & Rescue & Henrico County Triad/S.A.L.T. 
Awarded funds would be used to replace aging transmitters and other needed upgrades to continue this program.

After "online polling", LAUNCH for Life was selected as the winning non-profit for Q1! Congratulations!

NEXT MEETING: April 15, 2025. Social at 6:30, meeting begins at 7pm. 
                          Wyndham Swim & Racquet Club
                        
  6401 Old Wyndham Drive, Glen Allen, VA 23059

ADDITIONAL PLANS & GOALS
  • ​In 2025, River City Givers will continue to offer a 30 minute social prior to the start of each meeting. 
  • The Board is 1 member short & is actively seeking an addition. If you are interested & would like to learn more, please reach out to any board member by email [email protected] or DM us on Facebook or Instagram.
  • RCG is excited to announce that we are seeking Junior Board Members!  Please reach out if you know anyone who would love to learn more about providing meaningful assistance to our community!
  • We have a new logo & are freshening up our marketing materials. We would like to expand membership to over 100! Mention RCG to your friends, neighbors or anyone you meet!
0 Comments

Q4 2024 Funds go to Saint Francis Manchester!

1/21/2025

0 Comments

 
River City Givers met on Tuesday, Oct 15th at the Wyndham Swim and Racquet Club with 22 members in attendance and 1 guest.
Three members enlightened us with the history & mission of the following 3 local charities.

1. Sheila Callear & Diane Schriewer again shared information  about  St. Francis Manchester, an assisted living facility located on the south side whose mission is to  provide an affordable, loving home and quality-assisted living care for older adults with limited financial means.  This facility is one of only a few Virginia communities who welcomes seniors unable to fully pay for their care.  On average there is an approximate $2000 per month, per resident gap between what residents are able to pay and the cost of operating this facility.  The board has to be very creative to bridge that gap. 
St. Francis has been the answer for affordable assisted living care for the past 50 years and continue to make that happen through all their efforts
Learn more about  St. Francis Manchester at  https://saintfrancisrva.org/
 
2. Janice Louge presented information about Destination Church at Southpark Mall Outreach. 
The Hopewell church is hoping to help rejuvinate a Colonial Heights shopping mall with its new coffee shop. 
Legacy Coffee and Cream got its start 14 years ago in the very mall its new venture calls home. 
The hope is to revive the South Park Mall location and make it the center for all of the Tri-Cities. 
The church wants the shop to be a place for the community to gather & plan to hold special events in early 2025 to bring multicultural groups together. It would earmark a possible donation for that effort.  
Read more about Destination Church at their website. 

3. Emily DeLucca provided insight to a new organization L.A.U.N.C.H. for Life.
It is a FREE 12-month Mentorship Program for young men ages 12-16.  This non-profit was created to enrich the lives of young men in need of a positive mail role model.
Mentees and Mentors are paired together for 12 months, throughout the entirety of the program, during which the participants are exposed to a wide range of leadership & ambassador opportunities to aid with personal & developmental growth. 
There are 25 participants in the program each year & LAUNCH works closely with mothers and guardians to provide necessary resources to make life just a little bit easier. 
One highlight of the program is the annual Thanksgiving celebration where these young men join together with their families, mentors & the mentors' families. 
Another big event is the 3 day camp held annually and is one of the larger expenses.
All mentors are volunteers from the community.  
Find out more at the Launch for Life Website
 

As the votes were tallied, Anna Ibrahim from Shalom Farms shared with us a deeper understanding of the importance of their 2 farms.   Through Mobile Markets & other distribution efforts, Shalom Farms have provided 200,000 pounds of produced!
The funds provided by River City Givers allowed Shalom Farms to purchase cold storage units, desperately needed to support the growing needs of our community. 

Balloting  Results:
Congratulations goes to Saint Francis Manchester! River City Givers is proud to help support the great work happening at their non-profit Assisting Living Community. 

​
0 Comments

Shalom Farms Awarded Funds in Q3 2024 Meeting!

10/15/2024

0 Comments

 
Picture
​River City Givers met on Tuesday, July 16th at the Twin Hickory Library with 16 members present and one guest to select a worthy charity for 3rd Quarter 2024.  Two members shared their stories of these charities.  ​
​

Diane Schriewer told us about  St. Francis Manchester, an assisted living facility located on the south side whose mission is to  provide an affordable, loving home and quality-assisted living care for older adults with limited financial means.  This facility is one of only a few Virginia communities who welcomes seniors unable to fully pay for their care.  On average there is an approximate $2000 per month, per resident gap between what residents are able to pay and the cost of operating this facility.  The board has to be very creative to bridge that gap. 
St. Francis has been the answer for affordable assisted living care for the past 50 years and continue to make that happen through all their efforts
Learn more about  St. Francis Manchester at  
https://saintfrancisrva.org/
 
Susan Dennis  shared information about Shalom Farms, a local charity.  They have two farms that grow and distribute healthy food for people who have little access otherwise.  It does not stop there, they provide in other ways.  They have many volunteers to plant, weed and harvest the crops, it has forged some powerful friendships through their work. Shalom Farms hosts mobile markets within communities where neighbors can meet and chat while purchasing healthy food at affordable prices.  Shalom Farms also hosts RVA's Black Farmers Market at their northside farm.   Locals can buy farm vegetables along with other food items, all while creating a sense of community.
With increased production, storage and cooling space has become a problem.  They are in need of both of these items and would use our funds if they were the chosen charity.   Learn more about Shalom Farms at  
https://shalomfarms.org
 
As the votes were tallied, Shirley Carly, GLSEN Board Member  told us more about the organization, their mission, the current goals and activities and how they plan to spend the funds.  The chapter supports students and educators locally. They are organized around LGBTQ affirming policy and plans for teacher training, They also support and conduct a Rainbow library project in school libraries. She said they were so thankful for the award and absolutely thrilled to have been chosen.  

Balloting  Results:
For the first time ever and after Linda counted twice we had a tie vote which resulted in a second round of balloting.  That step again was a tie.  Per the bylaws the charity names are placed in a container and one is drawn. 
Shalom Farms was chosen to be awarded this quarter's funds.

​


0 Comments

July 31st, 2024

7/31/2024

0 Comments

 

Congratulations to the April 2024 Meeting Fund Recipient! GLSEN

Picture

GLSEN, a grassroots initiative working locally, often through our local high schools, to provide safe, supportive education for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.  It is through organizations like GLSEN that students who may feel alienated or isolated have an opportunity to feel more confidence and a sense of belonging.  GLSEN's goal is that  every student, in every school, be valued and treated with respect, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  Learn more about GLSEN at https://www.glsen.org/chapter/richmond   River City Givers is proud to support our local students and teachers as the Richmond chapter of GLSEN works to provide an environment of inclusion and community for all people.

0 Comments

Moments of Hope Outreach Recipient of 1st Qtr 2024 Funds

4/30/2024

0 Comments

 
Picture

Our intrepid group met via Zoom on January 16th due to forecasted icy roads. We had a wonderful turnout to learn about wonderful organizations doing so much to help the Greater Richmond community.
Fiona Crowley-Ailor presented us with a great insight to mission of Moments of Hope Outreach
Vicki Yeroian told us all about GLSEN RVA, the local chapter of a national organization & their mission to fight for every student’s right to a safe, supportive education
​Moments of Hope Outreach was selected to receive this quarter's funding from River City Givers.
​Moments of Hope Outreach operates a homeless outreach and food pantry, provides emergency shelter to our homeless neighbors, and hosts a weekly community outreach luncheon rain or shine with a mobile pantry, health screenings, bike shop, clothing ministry, homeless services, and prayer. They began as a one-man outreach in late 2014, and became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2016. “Mo Hope” serves Hanover and Henrico counties, and Richmond north of the James River.
River City Givers is so excited to help out this deserving organization!

0 Comments

Recipient of 4th Qtr 2023 Funds "Shood - Shoes for Good"

1/18/2024

0 Comments

 
Picture
River City Givers met on  October 17th to learn about 3 local charities & to select one as the recipient for 4th Quarter 2023 funds. Shood - Shoes for Good was announced as the recipient! Their mission is to provide a pair of new or "like new", well fitting running shoes to children in economically disadvantaged communities in and around RVA. 
Shood has several focused programs, targeting a variety of needs, such as track programs and girls running. Once supplying shoes to only high school students, their mission has been expanded to include middle schoolers as well.
River City Givers member, Mary Gill, who participated in a recent distribution, provided us with an impassioned and enthusiastic account of her experience.
Since their inception, Shood estimates that they have provided over 20,000 pairs of shoes to children in our community.
 
0 Comments

Crossover Healthcare Ministry Awarded 3rd Qtr 2023 Contributions!

10/25/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
CrossOver is a non-profit organization that provides high-quality, compassionate healthcare to uninsured and Medicaid patients. CrossOver does not receive direct federal funding, or have access to federally funded prescription drug programs. We rely on the generosity of our volunteers, donors and community partners to sustain our mission.
Find out more about all the wonderful things Crossover Healthcare Ministry is doing for our community at:
https://www.crossoverministry.org/​
Picture
0 Comments

April 25th, 2023

4/25/2023

0 Comments

 

River City Inclusive Gym
Winner of 2nd Quarter 2023 Funds

Their mission is to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities through fitness & fun! 
They wish to give each athlete the opportunity, time and confidence to show their strengths and build self esteem.

Visit River City Inclusive Gym online
Picture
0 Comments

Poduim RVA is winner of the 2023 First Quarter Funds

1/26/2023

0 Comments

 
​Supporting Youth to Write, Dream Achieve       ​
Empowering youth ages 10 - 19 in greater Richmond to become confident, capable writers with the skills necessary to succeed in college, career, and life.

Podium RVA is a local non-profit organization founded in 2008 to help middle school and high school student to become confident writers.  It currently serves 500 students in the Richomnd Metro area.  Student may participate in after-school weekly classes lasting 1-2 hours, for a three-month session.
Students practice different concepts, such as poetry, short stories, and preparing debates.  Students are referred by teachers and guidance conselors.  Podium RVA is preparing to expand into the Hopewell and Petersburg areas.  
​
For over 10 years, Podium has provided safer and more supportive educational environments for students in Richmond, VA, and surrounding areas. By creating opportunities for young people to develop essential writing and communication skills, Podium aims to increase youth confidence and engagement, while supporting students in defining their own avenues for success.

https://podiumrva.org/​


Picture
​

0 Comments

Thrifty Sisters Receives Funds from October Meeting

10/26/2022

0 Comments

 
We're excited to announce Thrifty Sisters RVA had the most votes and is the recipient of funds from the October quarterly meeting.
​
By shopping at, volunteering with, and donating to Thrifty Sisters, you are helping to support this mission which benefits Saint Francis – Manchester an Assisted Living Community. 
Learn more about Thrifty Sisters at https://thriftysistersrva.org.
Picture
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Our Recipients

    ​

    Archives

    June 2025
    January 2025
    October 2024
    July 2024
    April 2024
    January 2024
    October 2023
    April 2023
    January 2023
    October 2022
    April 2022
    January 2022
    October 2021
    April 2021
    January 2021
    October 2020
    July 2020
    February 2020
    October 2019
    July 2019
    April 2019
    January 2019
    October 2018
    July 2018
    April 2018
    January 2018
    October 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    December 2016

    Categories

    All

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • How It Works
  • Commit
  • Meetings
  • Spread the Word
  • Our Recipients
  • Presentation Information
  • Contact
  • Our Facebook
  • Our Recipients