Hampton Roads Magazine / Giving Back Awards Voting

 Email  Print

Giving Back Awards Voting

Hampton Roads Magazine is pleased to announce its first-annual “Giving Back Awards,” honoring Hampton Roads’ outstanding non-profit organizations that make the region rich in philanthropic spirit.

The “Giving Back Awards” aims to recognize the often unrecognized groups living among us who address the many needs of the community. The winners—as determined by reader votes—will be revealed in our November/December 2012 issue.

The nomination period runs August 1 through August 31, at which point the contest will move onto its voting rounds. All organizations listed are as a result of nomination or vote.

• September 3-7 – First voting round – 50 non-profits advance to the next voting round.
• September 10-14 – Second voting round – 25 non-profits move on to the semifinals.
• September 17-21 – Semifinal voting round – 5 non-profits will be announced online. 

Each of the five finalists will be featured with editorial profiles in the November/December 2012 issue of Hampton Roads Magazine, with their rankings revealed and the non-profit of the year receiving top billing.

The voting period has ended.

---

Your email address may be shared with other publications associated with VistaGraphics, Inc. including Hampton Roads Magazine e-weekly, Virginia Wine Lover magazine, HRM Save Local or other electronic promotions. You may unsubscribe to these other publications at any time by using Constant Contact's SafeUnsubscribe and updating your preferences. 

---

Read more about all of our nominees below (designated in all BOLD ITALICS are our top 25):

A 1000 Shoes for A 1000 Smiles -  A Thousand Shoes for a Thousand Smiles is a 501 ( c ) (3) non-profit organization whose purpose is to reach out to families in need in the Hampton Roads Area. Our goal is to provide needy school-aged children with brand new shoes.

Alzheimer’s Association of Southeastern Virginia - The mission of the Alzheimer’s Association is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. One of the association’s biggest fundraisers is the Walk to end Alzheimer’s.

American Cancer Society - The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. The ACS saves lives by helping prevent cancer or finding it at its most treatable stage. The ACS helps people get well by assisting patients through every step of the treatment experience. The ACS funds and conducts research that leads to cancer prevention and a cure. Finally the ACS works with lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and rally communities worldwide to join the fight.

American Heart Association - The mission of the American Heart Association is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The AHA commits to its mission by educating the public about heart disease and how to prevent it and advocating for research on healthcare.

An Achievable Dream - An Achievable Dream is a nonprofit, year-round, extended day public school borne out of its founder’s belief that all children can learn and succeed regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds; and that education can break the cycle of poverty. In partnership with Newport News Public Schools, we strive to close the achievement gap that currently exists in American education to ensure our students become productive citizens contributing positively to society.

Autism Society, Tidewater VA - The Autism Society, Tidewater Virginia was established to help improve the lives of all affected by autism and does this by increasing public awareness, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan and providing the latest information on treatment, education, research and advocacy. The Autism Society, Tidewater Virginia organized special interest groups such as Coffee and Chat, workshops, family outings and events, autism literature and community awareness projects.

Beach Health Clinic - The Beach Health Clinic is a 501©3 organization that was established in 1986 with the intent of providing the best free medical care to the uninsured residents of Virginia Beach. They are a volunteer staffed, private, non-profit clinic with a mission to provide basic medical services and prescription assistance to the uninsured, working poor families in the area. As an organization, they are working hard to provide patients with comprehensive medical care. They provide patients with the medications they require and offer special programs such as the Obesity Clinic and diabetes management classes.

Blankets for the Homeless - Blankets for the Homeless was founded in Hampton Roads in October 2011 to provide blankets and brown bag lunches for the disenfranchised. The organization goes out four nights a week delivering 50 blankets and lunches per night. These lunches consist of a sandwich, bag of chips, piece of fruit, cookies, and a bottle of water. Blankets for the Homeless accepts donations of food, gas cards, coats, blankets, etc. and have been featured on WTKR News Channel 3.

Bon Secours Hampton Roads Health System - Bon Secours was founded in 1824 as the sisters of Bon Secours, or “good help” in French, to nurse the sick and dying in their homes amidst the devastation of the French Revolution. Today, Bon Secours Hampton Roads provides a wide variety of services for all families in the region from orthopedics and cancer care to primary care practices. The mission of the Bon Secours Health System is to treat the whole person-mind, body and spirit, to bring compassion to health care, and to be good help to those in need. Bon Secours is committed to being a system of caregivers helping bring people and communities to health and wholeness as part of the healing ministry of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church.

Catholic Charities of EVA - Founded to foster the development of wholesome family life in the community, Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia provides counseling for individuals and families under stress, and offers programs of education and prevention for strengthening family life. The agency advocates improvements in social conditions for individuals, families, the elderly and children of all faiths. Catholic Charities is a 501(c)(3) non-profit human service agency. Established in 1932, the agency has a long term investment in improving lives in the Hampton Roads community.

C-CAP – Careers Through Culinary Arts Program - Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) works with public schools across the country to prepare underserved high school students for college and career opportunities in the restaurant and hospitality industry. A national nonprofit organization founded in 1990 by well-known culinary educator and author, Richard Grausman, C-CAP has awarded students $37 million in scholarships and donated $2.8 million worth of supplies and equipment to classrooms.

Center for Child & Family Services - The Center for Child & Family Services is a non-profit community service organization located Hampton and Williamsburg, Virginia. They have been providing counseling and support services to the community since 1943. Their mission is to deliver quality counseling programs and support services that empower individuals and families to improve their lives.

Cerebral Palsy of Virginia - Cerebral Palsy of Virginia was established as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization in the Commonwealth of Virginia in April 1984.CP of VAprovides programs and services to support the needs of children and adults with cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities. The organizations main focus is on programs and services that provide inclusion, greater independence and improved attitudes of the disabled by non-disabled individuals.

Charity Bowl Football Game, sponsored by Toyota - This full tackle game is played by past local high school and college players with an equal passion for gridiron action and community involvement. Players, referees and coordinators volunteer their efforts, provide their own equipment, and raise funds solely to provide holiday presents for local children in need. With minimal operating costs, 100% of the funds are donated to The Joy Fund, which provides toys during the holidays to underprivileged children in Hampton Roads.

Chesapeake Arboretum - Chesapeake Arboretum spans 48-acres and is dedicated to promoting horticultural and environmental awareness through displays, education and research. Periodic events are held at the arboretum, including Arbor Day, Global Youth Service Day, tree tours, AutumnFest and more.

Chesapeake Crime Line/Hampton Roads Regional Crime Line - Crime Line is a volunteer administered program designed to support local law enforcement efforts. Citizens are encouraged to call Crime Line with anonymous tips, which allow Crime Line to make Hampton Roads a safer community. Since 1982, Crime Line has helped solve more than 16,000 cases and assisted in the recovery of more than $27 million in stolen property and illegal drugs.

Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters - Established in 1961 by the King’s Daughters charity, CHKD is the only full-service, freestanding children’s hospital in Virginia and the heart of a comprehensive pediatric healthcare system with offices in every corner of the region. CHKD has always provided care to every child who needs it, regardless of any family’s financial circumstances. Its charitable mission presents many financial challenges for the organization, which is supported by a community of generous individual and corporate donors, a network of Thrift Stores and its founding organization, The King’s Daughters. Throughout the years, CHKD’s focus on what is best for the children of our community has never wavered. Today, CHKD Health System offers a full range of pediatric medical and surgical specialties and unique emotional and educational support services that children simply cannot get anywhere else in our region.

Churchland Trailblazers -  The Churchland Trailblazers Track Club supports youth sport teams in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area. The Trailblazers are a diverse track team starting its 13th year of competition. They include youth individuals between the ages of 5-18, and they help them to learn and master skills in the sport of Track and Field. The Churchland Trailblazers is a nonprofit, AAU track and field program in Portsmouth, Virginia, supporting competition in local, regional and national meets.

Crystal Ball for a Cure - Crystal Ball for a Cure’s primary mission is to fund research that finds a cure for the devastating, muscle wasting diseases of Muscular Dystrophy and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. The organization plans a Halloween bash each year and funds other projects to improve the quality of life for people living with neuromuscular diseases.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation--a donor-supported, nonprofit organization--is to assure the development of the means to cure and control cystic fibrosis (CF) and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease.   Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease affecting approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States.  CF occurs in approximately one of every 3,500 live births; about 1,000 new cases of CF are diagnosed each year.  According to the CF Foundation's National Patient Registry, the median age of survival for a person with CF is in the mid-30s.  In addition to using funding to continue research to find a cure for cystic fibrosis, the CF Foundation also supports funding for 115 accredited care centers across the United States that specialize in the diagnosis of CF and provide care to people with the disease. 

Denbigh Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. established itself as a public service organization that strives to confront the problems of all Americans, with a special emphasis on the African American community. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. provides an extensive array of public service in a five-point program: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement.

Downtown Hampton Child Development Center - Downtown Hampton Child Development Center’s mission is to nurture young children by providing affordable, quality preschool programs that develop the whole child and foster school readiness. The center nurtures and educates nearly 200 students, ages 6 weeks to 5 years, at two locations. Additionally, the center offers the Peninsula's only sliding-scale tuition rate, where families pay based on income and need.

Dream Catchers Therapeutic Riding - Dream Catchers at The Cori Sikich Therapeutic Riding Center hosts over 110 therapeutic riding lessons each week and is the premier therapeutic riding center between Richmond and Virginia Beach.  With seventeen horses, Dream Catchers continues its tradition of helping children and adults with special-needs reach their potential.

Eastern Virginia AIDS Network - Eastern Virginia AIDS Network (EVAN) formerly known as TACT (Tidewater AIDS Community Taskforce) is a private non-profit corporation whose purpose is to support and maintain the best quality of life for individuals infected and affected by HIV, and to reduce the overall incidence of HIV infection by providing education, information, HIV prevention, and support services to the general public especially those living with HIV/AIDS. Today EVAN supporst individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS and give them hope for a brighter future. EVAN continually adds new programs and services to reflect the changing needs of our clients and their families. These services are offered free of charge to clients.

Edmarc Hospice for Children - The mission of Edmarc Hospice for Children is to ease the trauma of a child’s illness or death and to reduce the disabling effects of pediatric illness, loss and bereavement on families. Services include home healthcare, hospice care and bereavement support. Each service is designed to alleviate pain, anxiety and fear.

Evelyn’s Wildlife Refuge - Founded in 1995, Evelyn’s Wildlife Refuge is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, dedicated to rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife native to Virginia. The Refuge holds federal, state, and local licenses to hold and handle wildlife.

F.A.C.T. (Families of Autistic Children of Tidewater) - The mission of F.A.C.T. is to improve the quality of life for individuals with autism and their families in the greater Tidewater Virginia area. F.A.C.T. promotes the creation of social, recreational, and vocational programs designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with autism. F.A.C.T supports the integration of these individuals into the community by providing social and communication models, with emotional and behavioral supports.

FBI Norfolk Citizens Academy Alumni Association - The Norfolk Chapter of the FBI Citizens' Academy Alumni Association is a community-based and supported organization, distinct and separate from the FBI, designed to promote a safer community through community service projects and a process of educating business, labor, media, medical, minority, religious, government, senior citizens, and other community leaders about law enforcement, with particular emphasis on the mission, resources, and limitations of the FBI.

Foodbank of Southeastern VA - The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia (FSEVA) was founded in 1981 as a clearinghouse for the food and poor. For over thirty years, FSEVA has distributed over 221 million pounds of food directly and through partner agencies within the community. The Foodbank is committed to its mission of educating the public on hunger issues and eradicating hunger within the community.

Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula - The Foodbank solicits, receives, inventories, stores and distributes purchased and donated food and grocery products to charitable agencies that directly help the needy. Since 1986, the Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula has distributed over 111,436,209 pounds of food to neighbors in the community. The Foodbank’s mission is to distribute food effectively through collaborative efforts that minimize hunger and promote nutrition and self-reliance through education.

ForKids Inc – ForKids, Inc. gives shelter to over 50 families in crisis. Families have a safe place to stay while they gain essential skills, stabilize employment, reduce debt and work toward self-sufficiency. Over 300 children find tutoring, mentoring and coaching through a variety of educational opportunities. The Meals and Homework program provides at-risk children with weekly tutoring and a hot meal for their entire family. Finally, clinical counseling, health care advocacy, employment counseling, budgeting classes, parenting classes and safety classes contribute to the sufficiency of 175 parents and their children.

Friends of the Hampton Public Library -  Friends of the Hampton Public Library offer support to the needs of the Hampton Public Library. Members of the library devote their time and expertise in the Internet Demonstration Program, library advocacy and funding children’s programs. The group’s members also support the Best of Friends Gift Shop, which is located in the library.

Friends of the Virginia Beach Public Library - The Friends of the Virginia Beach Public Library have been raising funds and supporting Virginia Beach Public Library since 1976. In the last several years, the Friends have granted funding to the library in excess of $100,000 per year for projects benefitting citizens of all ages - programs and services that would otherwise not happen. 

Ghent United Methodist Preschool - The goal of Ghent United Methodist Preschool  is to provide a nurturing and supportive atmosphere in which children will feel secure, loved and valued as a unique individual. The program seeks to provide a Christian environment where the children are assured of God's love for them.

Goodwill Industries  - The mission of Goodwill Industries is to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families by strengthening communities, eliminating barriers to opportunity, and helping people in need reach their full potential through learning and the power of work.

Grove Christian Outreach Center - Grove Christian Outreach Center was founded in February 2000 to minister to the Grove area of James City County. Many families and individuals in the Grove are elderly, poor or disabled and in need of service, and the Outreach Center is committed to treating each of these people with dignity and respect. GSOC  consists of over 100 volunteers representing over 25 different churches and is completely funded by donations and grants. GSOC accepts food, clothing and hygiene drop offs during normal business hours.

Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads, Inc. - For almost 25 years, the local Habitat for Humanity chapter has neem working to help parents find economic and emotional stability for their families through building, rehabbing, and repairing houses and selling the houses to them using Habitat's unique zero interest, zero profit mortgages. Almost 200 families have become independent stable homeowners and taxpayers breaking generations of poverty and dependency.

Hampton Roads Civic Ballet - Hampton Roads Civic Ballet (HRCB) is a pre-professional performing company. It is a non-profit organization comprised of intermediate and advanced students at the Academy of Ballet in Hampton, Virginia. Two major productions are staged annually, including the holiday classic The Nutcracker. HRCB also performs community benefit concerts throughout the year at arts festivals, hospitals, and nursing homes.

Hampton Roads Community Foundation - The mission of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation is to inspire philanthropy and transform the quality of life in southeastern Virginia. The organization connects individuals in the community with charitable causes to improve life in our region. The community foundation manages permanent funds created by people from all walks of life. The Hampton Roads Community Foundation is southeastern Virginia’s largest grant and scholarship provider. It is the 50th largest community foundation in the country (out of more than 750 community foundations). Last year it put more than $12 million to work in our region – improving early education opportunities for area children, helping improve the environment, supporting the arts and supporting health and human service organizations. The community foundation awards grants each year to more than 150 different nonprofits and awards annual scholarships to help more than 360 students attend college. 

Honor and Remember, Inc. - The mission of Honor and Remember, Inc. is to create, establish and promote a nationally recognized flag that would fly continuously as a visible reminder to all Americans of the lives lost in defense of our national freedoms. All Military lives lost not only in action but also in service, from our nation's inception.

Honor Flight Historic Triangle Virginia - Honor Flight Historic Triangle Virginia (HFHTVA) is a Williamsburg-based non-profit organization established in October 2008 with one goal: To take every World War II and terminally ill veteran in the Hampton Roads and Richmond areas that is able and has not visited the World War II Memorial built in their honor on a charter bus day trip to Washington, DC. All veterans on the trip are accompanied by a trained volunteer guardian, who will assist the veteran for the entire day, and a staff of certified Emergency Medical Technicians / Paramedics to ensure everyone's safety throughout the trip.

Hope for Life Rescue - Hope for Life Rescue began in Feb of 2002 and is committed to the rescue and placement of abandoned, abused, neglected and left behind street animals. The vision for an "urban sanctuary" became a reality when they opened "Hope Center" in August of 2005.

Hope for Suffolk - Hope for Suffolk is the community development initiative of Westminster Church that exists to image Jesus Christ to its community. Some of Hope for Suffolk’s outreach includes its Community Garden where community members gain food and income from growing and selling vegetables. Additionally, handcrafted paper products, such as greeting cards and stationary, are sold and the profits go to the participants who created the products.

Hope House Foundation - Hope House Foundation provides individualized living services for and with adults with developmental disabilities in their own homes or apartments. These services generally include assistance with household maintenance, budgeting, cooking, transportation, medical issues, personal care and hygiene, and recreation. Hope House recognizes the expense of living alone, so they fundraise to cover the difference and allow the people they care for to live in a normal setting. The Hope House foundation currently serves more than 130 people living in Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake and Virginia Beach, and receives funding from Medicaid waivers, the Comprehensive Services Act, community service boards, and sometimes, private payment.

Hospice House and Support Care of Williamsburg  - In 1982, "Hospice of Williamsburg" was founded as a nonprofit charitable organization by lay and professional volunteers to enhance the quality of living for individuals facing the last phases of life and to support the people they love. Support services are provided to individuals living in Williamsburg, James City County or upper York County.Staff and volunteers work in close cooperation with local healthcare providers to assure patients and families receive needed services. These services are not restricted by age, treatment the patient is receiving, time it can serve a family or family finances.

International Cooperating Ministries - ICM is a non-profit, trans-denominational parachurch ministry guided by God’s Word, a strong statement of faith, and the Lausanne Covenant.  Cooperating with His grace, ICM helps to nurture believers and assist Church growth with a strong vision for seeing people, communities, and nations transformed through Jesus Christ and His Church—truly actualizing Christ’s commission to “make disciples of all nations!”

Jewish Family Service of Tidewater - Jewish Family Service of Tidewater (JFS) is a non-profit organization providing a full spectrum of social and health services to meet the needs of Hampton Roads residents. Established in 1946, JFS has had a long-standing tradition of caring and concern for the community it serves. Counseling, adoption, home health care, and food and financial assistance are just some of the services provided by highly trained staff and caring volunteers.

Job’s Daughters International - Job’s Daughters was founded in 1920 by Mrs. Ethel T. Wead Wick as an organization for young women with members in the United States, Canada, Brazil, the Philippines and Australia. Members have fun together in various activities such as dances, sleepovers, pool parties, picnics, parades, mini golf and more. Job’s Daughters also perform service projects and are proud supporters of Hearing Impaired Kids Endowment (HIKE) Fund. Job’s Daughters qualify for scholarships on the national and state level and gain valuable experience in leadership and in teamwork. Job’s Daughters exists to offer qualities that young women need in an organization: fun, friendship, helping others and the chance to shine as a leader or a member of an organization.

Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc. - The Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc. is dedicated to empowering and educating women for the betterment of their communities. The organization extends helping hands to all women and children regardless of race, religion or origin who have a heart for volunteering. The League seeks needs to be met in the community and administers projects and services to carry out each need.

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation—Hampton Roads - The Hampton Roads Chapter is part of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, an organization that strives to cure Type 1 diabetes. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the largest supporter of T1D research, also hopes to assist the lives of those already affected by T1D. The Hampton Roads Chapter hosts community and Challenge events to raise funds and awareness.

Kid’s Closet - Kid's Closet helps out children in need of clothing. They have provided many kids in Hampton Roads with new clothes for school or play. They usually have a huge give-away the week prior to school.

Lee’s Friends - Lee’s Friends in Norfolk seeks to offer person-to-person help, as well as emotional and practical support, to cancer patients and their families who are facing the crisis of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Lee’s Friends also helps provide patient needs such as food, clothing and transportation. Additionally, Lee’s Friends helps patients fill out health coverage forms and expedite insurance, health coverage and other paperwork procedures.

Lions Club International, District 24-D - The mission of the Lions Club is to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs. With Pediavision, the Photo eye screener and the HOTV program, the Lions Club hopes they will come closer to their goal of having each child in our District vision ready to start school.

National Center for the Prevention of Community Violence - The National Center for the Prevention of Community Violence is dedicated to combating and bringing awareness to violence among youth and gangs in America and Canada. They teamed up with Virginia Tech’s Center for Applied Behavioral Sciences to research and develop models to solve youth violence. They also utilize GreenZone, a concept created to instill a respectful environment, and 5th Quarter, a sport-based mentoring program.

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society - The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is a private non-profit charitable organization. It is sponsored by the Department of the Navy and operates nearly 250 offices ashore and afloat at Navy and Marine Corps bases throughout the world. The mission of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is to provide, in partnership with the Navy and Marine Corps, financial, educational, and other assistance to members of the Naval Services of the United States, eligible family members, and survivors when in need; and to receive and manage funds to administer these programs.

Nimmo Community Garden - The Nimmo Community Garden in Virginia Beach began in 2009. Located at Nimmo United Methodist Church, the garden feeds the hungry in Hampton Roads. From summer through winter, the produce is picked and distributed by faith-based organizations. Last year, over 2,000 pounds of product were donated.

Northside Christian Church - Northside Christian Church is a family of Christians that serves the community. They offer numerous outreach events to simply show the love of Christ. They ask nothing in return and walk the walk.

Old Coast Guard Station Museum - The Old Coast Guard Station honors and preserves the history of Virginia's coastal communities and maritime heritage. The scope of the Station's exhibits begins with the Virginia Beach Community and extends to subjects related to Virginia's oceanfront, coastal and water related heritage.

Old Dominion School of Dental Hygiene - Old Dominion University School of Dental Hygiene is dedicated to providing health promotion and disease prevention activities to the diverse populations in Hampton Roads Communities. Dental hygiene faculty and students provide oral screenings, periodontal debridement, fluoride therapy, and oral health education and education at various senior centers, Head Start programs, elementary schools and high schools. They also provide dental care to special needs children at St. Mary's Home for Disabled Children.  They volunteer their time and talents to serve the Red Cross, Homeless Connect, Lake Taylor Hospital, Chesapeake Care, Mission of Mercy, public health clinics and residents of Eggleston Services.

Operation Smile - Operation Smile is an international children's medical charity that heals children's smiles, forever changing their lives. Since 1982, Operation Smile — through the help of dedicated medical volunteers — has provided more than 2 million patient evaluations and over 200,000 free surgeries for children and young adults born with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities.

Park Place Child Life Center - Park Place Child Life Center transforms the lives of children in Park Place neighborhood in Norfolk through arts-based programs designed to advance literacy and encourage a lifetime of love of learning. More than 600 children have taken part in after-school and Saturday programs at Park Place Child Life Center, which provides children with free homework assistance, fine arts classes, reading and math practice, nutrition, martial arts, summer camps, recreational activities and field trips.

Parrot Head Club of Tidewater - The Parrot Head Club of Tidewater has been “quietly making noise” since 1996 to fund local and national charities. Their mission is to give back to the community and environment while also providing entertainment for lovers of Jimmy Buffett’s music. The Parrot Head Club of Tidewater supports charities including Alzheimer’s Association of Southeastern Virginia, Food Bank of the Virginia Peninsula, and Special Olympics of Virginia.

Peninsula Catholic School - Peninsula Catholic High School is a college preparatory high school, grades 8-12. It is a welcoming environment where students attend classes with caring, dedicated teachers in small classes receiving individual help when necessary. The students gave over 14000 hours back to the community in service last year alone. Students give time, money and items to local and global charities.

Peninsula Pet Pantry - The Peninsula Pet Pantry strives to ease financial restraints in providing for the “other” members of the family. While they mainly assist pet owners with the food pantry, the group also provides shelter, foster care, and rescue for small pets. In assisting these pet owners, the Peninsula Pet Pantry hopes to decrease the number of animal surrenders to homeless shelters.

Peninsula Rescue Mission - Peninsula Rescue Mission serves men and families on the Peninsula area. The organization begins by meeting physical needs, and when the situation is more serious, they rescue with lodging, food, clothing or finances. The “physical rescue” leads to a more spiritual rescue, staying true to the mission of ministering to the least, the last, and the lost. The House of Refuge, Overcomer’s Program, Open Cupboard and Camp Open Arms are just a few examples of PRM’s commitment to their mission.

PiN Ministry (People in Need) - PIN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves homeless people in Virginia Beach. Services offered by PIN include; food, clothing, hygiene supplies, living necessities, medical care, and shelter.

Portsmouth Museum Foundation - Portsmouth Museum Foundation’s mission is to generate private sector financial support for all four of the Portsmouth museums which include the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum, Children's Museum of Virginia, the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center, and the Lightship Portsmouth.

Promise Places - Promise Places is a non-denominational ministry project working to provide opportunities and independence for the mentally disabled. Aside from community awareness and education, their primary goal is to provide appropriate, non-institutional housing for adults with mild to moderate mental challenges. Their current capital campaign is raising funds for the first non-institutional house, to be called The Assisi House.

Protecting Children Foundation  - The mission of Protecting Childen Foundation is creating safer communities by raising public awareness about child sexual abuse and providing resources to local child abuse organizations that will fund sexual abuse based programs and services. The foundation advocates prevention, healing and protecting.

Really Awesome People Swimming - Really Awesome People Swimming provides American Red Cross swim lessons to minority and disadvantaged children, between the ages of 5 and 18. The program stresses the importance that all children should have access to swim lessons, regardless of socioeconomic status. Volunteers hope that in providing these lessons, the number of drownings among children will significantly decrease.

Roc Solid Foundation - Roc Solid was founded in 2009 to provide physical and emotional support for children and their families as they deal with the reality of pediatric cancer. Through acts of kindness and programs designed to foster happiness and hope, the organization works to strengthen their will to survive. Roc Solid’s flagship program, Play It Forward, builds custom playsets for pediatric cancer patients, fostering a child’s ability to have fun despite his or her condition.

Rudee Inlet Foundation - The mission of the Rudee Inlet Foundation is to preserve the natural beauty and habitat of Rudee Inlet and the Owl's Creek watershed while working to enhance the ecosystem in order to create a sustainable environment for the indigenous wildlife and fauna.

St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children - St. Mary’s Home is a long-term pediatric residential care facility dedicated exclusively to children with severe physical and intellectual disabilities and one of only about 100 facilities of its kind nationwide. Staff provide medical, therapeutic, educational and recreational services for as many as 92 children and young adults, ages newborn to 21 years.

Salvation Army Tidewater Area Command - The Salvation Army Tidewater Area Command serves southside Hampton Roads and its surrounding communities with programs and locations that serve families in need with emergency assistance, housing, substance abuse treatment, youth enrichment opportunities, spiritual care and emergency disaster services. The Salvation Army Tidewater Area Command’s vision is to have the Hampton Roads area be a place where people of all ages live in safe and sustainable communities where differences are respected and people are empowered to learn, to work and to worship in freedom.

Samaritan House - The Samaritan House’s mission is to foster personal safety, self-sufficiency and personal growth in adults and their children through freedom from domestic abuse and homelessness. The Samaritan House offers residential, aftercare and community programs and services, including a comprehensive range of housing options.

Senior Services of Southeast Virginia - Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia is the Area Agency on Aging serving residents of Chesapeake, Franklin, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach and Isle of Wight and Southampton counties. Senior Services develops and operates coordinated programs that assist seniors 60 and older, their families and caregivers, and serves as a resource center for adults with disabilities. Their vision is that South Hampton Roads will become a livable community for all ages.

Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center Auxiliary - A nationally-recognized recipient of the 2002 H.A.V.E. Award (Hospital Award for Volunteer Excellence), the Auxiliary is the fundraising branch of the volunteer team. Membership is open to men and women over 17 years of age, who are willing to dedicate time and energy to the support of the hospital’s mission to provide optimal health care to the community. Fundraising events include the July 4th Ice Cream Social, the Festival of Lights and Gala, and in-house vendor sales, such as $6 jewelry, leather handbags and luggage, books and gifts. We also sponsor a health fair. The auxiliary also provides four to six scholarships annually to outstanding high school students who plan to further their studies in the health care field.

Seton Youth Shelters - Seton Youth Shelters leads the way in delivering critical help to teens in crisis throughout southside Hampton Roads. The staff offers hope and confidence to teens and parents while creative implementation of programs provides added capability. Seton Youth Shelters programs extend into many areas, including shelters, nonresidential services, street outreach programs, in-school programs, mentoring, parent services and more.

Sinkinson Dyslexia Foundation - The Sinkinson Dyslexia Foundation is dedicated to identifying and remedying dyslexia, a severe language-based reading disability that exists in individuals having average to superior levels of intellectual functioning. Its mission is to teach dyslexic adults and children to read, and this is accomplished through professional assessment and one-on-one tutoring. The tutoring program is based on the Orton Gillingham, multi-sensory method of teaching reading, writing and spelling to individuals with deficient reading skills due to dyslexia. The SDF serves a range of low to lower middle income families in the Tidewater area and is one of only three organizations in the US that provides free diagnostic services and tutoring that addresses dyslexia.

Smart Beginnings South Hampton Roads - Smart Beginnings South Hampton Roads recognizes the inadequacy of school readiness in the southern area of Hampton Roads. The organization raises awareness to stimulate early education and instill an active mind among children before kindergarten. Additionally, they advocate for a greater public investment to fund early childhood education.

Soundscapes, Inc. - Soundscapes, Inc., inspired by El Sistema’s approach to education, uses music to transcend socio-economic barriers and transform the lives of youth in Virginia. During the after-school program, higher-level musicians mentor and encourage the students to meet individual goals. Students also participate in self-esteem building activities and are given opportunities to shine in leadership positions.

Susan G. Komen for the Tidewater Area - The Tidewater Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is dedicated to combating breast cancer at every front. Up to 75 percent of the Affiliate’s net income goes toward funding grants to local hospitals and community organizations that provide breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs for medically underserved women. The remaining net income (a minimum of 25 percent) supports the national Komen Grants Program, which funds groundbreaking breast cancer research, meritorious awards and educational and scientific programs around the world.

Symphonicity - Symphonicity was founded as the Virginia Beach Community Orchestra in the summer of 1981. Its original purpose was to provide a challenging performance experience for area musicians and to meet the need for low-cost, quality concerts for the community. Symphonicity consists of teachers, composers, business professionals, homemakers and people from all walks of life, and the orchestra performs 12 concerts per year at various venues in Virginia Beach, including the Sandler Center, for which they are a resident performing arts group.  Today the mission is to provide high quality music for everyone, to afford and opportunity for performers, and to educate young musicians.

Teens With A Purpose - The mission of Teen With A Purpose is to provide young people with a platform to empower their peers to use their voices, their energy, and their abilities to demonstrate the power to effect personal change, improve the lives of others, and foster a more knowledgeable community that is more invested in both themselves and each other using the arts and through peer-led programs and events. They emphasize education on and prevent of the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and provide a nonjudgmental, safe, environment for self expression for all young people.

Thalia Lions Club of Virginia Beach - The Thalia Lions Club of Virginia Beach seeks to create and foster a spirit of understanding among all people for humanitarian needs by providing voluntary services through community involvement and international cooperation. The Club focuses on serving the community by paying for eye exams and glasses for the needy and hearing exams and aides. The Club also serves the food bank, recruits eye and organ donors and finances support for youth activities.

The 31Heroes Project - The 31Heroes Project exists to honor fallen military heroes killed in action August 6, 2011, through fitness and raise funds for programs that provide support to families of all fallen military heroes—past, present and future. Funds raised in 2012 are split among the Snowball Express, the Travis Manion Foundation’s Challenge Grants program and the memorial funds of each of the men killed on August 6, 2011.

The Arc of Great Williamsburg - The Arc provides support services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through educational, Life & Job Skills, Health & Wellness, and Social & Recreational opportunities. This local arc has served young adults to senior citizens in the community for 35 years.  Members of the Arc  are people with intellectual and physical disabilities, their families, friends, interested citizens and dedicated health service professionals. All are concerned with improving the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities.

The Arc of Virginia Peninsula - The Arc helps people with disabilities live, work, and thrive in our community. Founded in 1953 by a group of concerned families, The Arc has a proud history of service to people with developmental disabilities and their families. They currently serve more than 1,100 individuals annually in employment, community living, day support, and early childhood programs. Services range from coordinating developmental therapies for children to helping elderly caregivers plan for the future of their loved ones with disabilities. 

The Casemate Museum Foundation - The Casemate Museum Foundation, a 501c(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting the 400 years of history at Freedom's Fortress. The foundation is devoted to maintaining the museum, its free educational programs, free admission to visitors and tourists and community service to the Tidewater Area. The foundation is not only determined to maintain this unique venue, but to improve existing exhibits, expand its educational objectives and preserve this chapter of our nation's history. 

The Dwelling Place - The mission of the Dwelling Place is to provide safe and secure emergency shelter for families in crisis and assist them in achieving self-sufficiency. The Dwelling Place is free of charge and available to all families regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, or handicap status. Families must be considered Norfolk residents to be considered for temporary residency and the family must also be capable of self-care.

The Friends of Hampton Roads, Inc. -  The purpose of "Friends" is to provide service to the community, exemplify standards of positive sisterhood, and promote excellence to our youth.  They strive to fulfill that purpose through various projects such as Rites of Passage, Scholarship Fundraiser Ball, Thanksgiving and Christmas community activities, and Scholarship Awards Ceremonies.

The Hermitage Museum and Gardens - The Hermitage Museum and Gardens, located on the shores of the Lafayette River in Norfolk, preserves the distinct beauty of its natural environment; conserves and shares its multicultural arts and objects collection; promotes and educates to inspire an appreciation for art and nature; and cultivates a spirit of stewardship while paying tribute to its rich legacy. The museum is a community gem that receives no direct federal, state or local government funding.

The Muse Writer’s Center - The Muse Writer’s Center offers low-cost, high-quality and creative writing classes to anyone interested in writing. The center established a tuition assistance fund and college scholarships for writers unable to pay for classes. Additionally, the Muse Writer’s Center hosts free public readings and other special events to bring the literary community together.

The Noblemen - In 1995, Al Midgett founded The Noblemen (originally The Robin Hoods of Virginia Beach) to help families and kids in need after his struggle with a prematurely-born son and the medical costs that came with it. The Noblemen have been responsible for great parties, golf tournaments, awesome partnerships, moving trolley rides and Noble Deeds to help the community. Examples of these Noble Deeds include Trolley Ride for EdMarc Hospice each Christmas, Christmas Toy Drive, Dictionary Project, Roundtable Scholarship, and Noblemen Against Drunk Driving. The Noblemen consists of eight member chapters located throughout the Hampton Roads region and is committed to being a part of the solution.

The Up Center - The Up Center provides foster care and adoption services for children among many other programs. Their mission is to protect children, strengthen families, empower people in crisis and maximize independence for those with disabilities. The Up Center helps over 10,000 people in Hampton Roads every year.

The Virginia Gentlemen Foundation - The Virginia Gentlemen Foundation has made waves in our community.  What started as a happy hour filled with good intentions has touched the lives and hearts of tens of thousands of people evident by the widespread event participation and fundraising achievements. With more than $5,000,000 raised in four short years, the foundation and its signature event, the JT Walk & Beach party, has become a fundraising force.  .

The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art - The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is a non-profit institution whichexists to foster awareness, exploration and understanding of significant art of our time. Through excellence and diversity in our exhibitions and educational programming, MOCA stimulates individual thinking and dialogue throughout the community.

Tidewater Military Family Services Council - The Tidewater Military Family Services Council seeks to bring military family support organizations together to grow partnerships, share resources, increase and diversify program participation and create networking opportunities. Member organizations of TMFSC offer military families every kind of support program, class, activity and resource needed to keep families strong and ready for the future. The goal of TMFSC is to enhance the quality of life for the military families of Hampton Roads.

Todd Rosenlieb Dance - Todd Rosenlieb Dance is a non-profit dance company and dance center based out of Norfolk and they are always finding ways to give back to our community. They help raise money for Access AIDS Care by holding the Arts for Life concert every December and TRDance is currently the home to the Adaptive Dance Class which helps teach children with Down Syndrome to dance.

Trinity Lutheran School - Trinity Lutheran School in Newport News is a co-educational, independent school for students beginning in preschool and continuing through the eighth grade. At Trinity, they teach the whole child by providing an education of the highest quality and a nurturing environment designed to emphasize values, learning processes and student development. The community service program at Trinity affords students an opportunity to become connected to the world around them and to recognize that they have a responsibility to contribute to a cause greater than their own. While eighth grade students at Trinity are expected to volunteer a minimum of twenty service hours throughout the school year, students as young as the three-year old preschool program are actively involved in in community service. Several organizations that Trinity Lutheran school supports throughout the year, but are not limited to, are St. Jude’s, the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Diamonds in the Rough Equine Rescue, SPCA, Pet Pantry, PORT, Boys and Girls Club military organizations and Habitat for Humanity.

Union Mission Norfolk VA - Union Mission Ministries seeks to aid the poor and needy; to reform the erring; to help those that are out of the way; to feed the hungry; to shelter the homeless; to preach the gospel; and to rescue the perishing.

Urban League of Hampton Roads Young Professionals - Urban League of Hampton Roads Young Professionals is an organization striving to empower young African Americans and provide the necessary tools to succeed in a professional environment. The organization fosters programs in advocacy, research and community collaboration as well as various services to further assist young professionals in their growth.

Virginia Arts Festival -  The mission of the Virginia Arts Festival is to bring world-class performing arts to our citizens and visitors, impact the lives of students through outstanding educational programs, commission new works of national and international significance, and make a tangible difference in Hampton Roads through regional partnerships and positive economic impact through the generation of cultural tourism.

Virginia Beach SPCA - The Virginia Beach Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is the only private, non-profit animal shelter in Hampton Roads to accept all animals, regardless of age, breed, health or temperament. The shelter provides care to nearly 4000 companion animals each year. It is the mission of the Virginia Beach SPCA to create a more humane and responsible community by decreasing tolerance for cruelty while increasing capacity for compassion.

Virginia Coast Chorus chapter of Sweet Adelines International - Geographically, there are more than 500 Sweet Adelines chapters located throughout the U.S. and 14 other nations. Sweet Adelines choruses regularly entertain at civic events and charitable functions. Proceeds from performances often are shared with scholarship funds, health care and social services programs, and the arts and humanities. Sweet Adelines promote harmony, friendship, self-esteem and the sense of belonging among women of all ages, races, ethnic backgrounds and levels of performance readiness.

Virginia Peninsula League of Women Voters of VA (MAL) - The League of Women Voters of Virginia, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

 VolunteerWilliamsburg.org - VolunteerWilliamsburg.org was founded and encouraged by members of The Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance 2006 Community Leadership Service class for Williamsburg, Virginia. The concept was developed to fill the needs of local non-profit and municipal organizations by connecting them with career experienced volunteers who have high level talents. VolunteerWilliamsburg.org is headed by a board of community leaders, and is funded privately.

Wave City Care - The mission of Wave City Care is to improve the lives of individuals, providing help and healing for the release of the best in human potential. They accomplish this mission through basic care services: food distribution, educational services and health and human services. They focus on meeting the needs of the whole family.

We Care Marines - The Cody Childers Memorial Fund - The Cody Childers Memorial Fund honors Cody Childers, a U.S. Marine whose life ended at a ripe age of 19. His short lived life rings on through his memorial fund by sending care packages to Marines overseas. Along with fundraising, the fund accepts monetary donations as well as package materials (batteries, socks, snacks, etc.).

We Promise Foundation - As the charitable arm of Chartway Federal Credit Union, the We Promise Foundation is dedicated to making dreams come true for children struggling with degenerative, life-threatening, debilitating or chronic illnesses, or those facing tremendous hardship. The foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) public charity that provides support to help children with a single goal: to put smiles on the faces of children by making their dreams come true.

Wheeler Benefit Foundation - The Wheeler Benefit Foundation hosts annual dodgeball tournaments to raise funds for various charity organizations.

Woohoo Sistahs - Woohoo Sistahs are a 501(c)3 non profit that raise money for the Southeastern Foodbank, Komen for the Cure, ACS and other worthy charities. In 2011, they donated over $32K to charity. They have collected and donated over 10,000 pounds of food for our local Foodbank. Theyvolunteer 100% of our time and talents and operate our organization with minimal expenses. The Woohoo Sistahs put the fun in fundraising.

YWOW Young Widows or Widowers - YWOW is a community of younger widows and widowers that started in the Hampton Roads area of Southeast Virginia. YWOW strives to provide a safe environment to men and women who have lost their loved ones much too early in life. They offer unique mutual support, bereavement resources and social events in order to help members rebuild their lives, dreams, and identities.