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

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!