This year has been filled with a great deal of firsts and, even more so, the unexpected. Last Friday was no different. We held our first RJLF virtual gala on October 9 at 6 p.m. Although we had a few technical difficulties, we got through it with a great deal of heart, fun and teamwork.
That was our first. What was unexpected was the incredible generosity from all of you. Your donations, whether in the form of a standard donation, ticket order or auction bid, surpassed not just our goal but our dreams as well. We cannot thank you enough for your ongoing support of our mission and, more importantly, our Fellows. We hope to be with you in person next year, but if we’re not, we know that being together online and in heart will be more than enough.
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Join the R.J. Leonard Foundation for its virtual gala Heart for Change: Together in Heart on Friday October 9th from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.!
The R.J. Leonard Foundation (RJLF) works with young adults aging out of the foster care system in Bucks and Montgomery Counties, offering them financial support as needed for education, transportation and social/cultural needs. Most importantly, however, RJLF is a mentorship program. The young adults connected with the program - Fellows - are matched with adults in their community. Together, the Fellows and Mentors work to make possible the Fellows’ career and educational goals, while fostering a lifelong relationship. Through mentorship, RJLF works to disprove the statistics about youth aging out of the foster care system. Statistics that say only 3% will graduate from college; 20% will experience homelessness; and 49% of youth aging out of foster care will do so without a connection to family. “RJLF really does help you pursue whatever it is you’re passionate about. I have also always felt safe being able to communicate and problem solve with them. It’s a truly special and non-judgmental zone and relationship. RJLF is a family to me, and I to them,” reflects one Fellow. In the 11 years since RJLF’s inception, the Foundation has worked with 25 young adults as they have striven to earn their degrees and move onto fulfilling and financially freeing careers. Help us continue our work by donating and/or joining us at our virtual gala Heart for Change: Together in Heart. The one-hour event will include testimonials from Fellows, entertainment and access to a live and silent auction. The R.J. Leonard Foundation knows that with the right resources, help and caring, every story - no matter how it starts - can end in success. To purchase tickets or make a donation, visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/hZ0/. |
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