I am on the fundraising board for an amazing non-profit called Determined to Succeed www.dtsla.org. DTS was founded by a local 5th grade teacher with the help of actor Hank Azaria. DTS is dedicated to providing an exceptional group of low socio-economic students with comprehensive year-round support. The students are guided from the critical middle school years through high school and the college acceptance process. The program tutors the students weekly, raises money for their school supplies, clothing and computers, sends them to summer enrichment programs and provides them with an overall support system by empowering them with more confidence, stronger self-esteem, and a better education.
I got involved in DTS because I like working with small, local nonprofits, where any contribution you make directly impacts the cause. There is less “red tape” to deal with, so new ideas are welcomed and more easily implemented. I particularly was drawn to DTS because of the depth of their commitment to the youth in the program. Once selected for DTS, the organization commits to helping them for 7 years on a daily basis!! That type of commitment and support literally changes the course of the children’s lives, encouraging them to strive for success. Many will be the first in the family to even graduate high school! By creating hope for the future and giving them tools for success, DTS is affecting the next generation, one LA student at a time.
I recently chaired their first family friendly fundraiser, which raised $45,000 for the 34 students currently served by DTS. We did a Movie Night Under the Stars, where families watched Madagascar on picnic blankets at a private home in the Pacific Palisades. The kids enjoyed carnival fare while doing crafts and having their faces painted. Everyone got to take home their picnic blankets and a fun jungle-themed party favor.
I’m already on board to chair next year’s event!
S. Pynes
Beverly Hills, CA
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