For the eighth year, a group of rising Lee-Scott Academy seniors has learned the basics of 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and smart giving in the school’s Philanthropy 101 class.
Students apply and are accepted into the three-week summer course. The class visits a number of area nonprofits—Jean Dean RIF, Big House Foundation and Camp Good Grief, to name a few—and each student is given a $700 stipend to donate to the organization of their choice, after researching where their money will go.
“It’s a heartfelt choice,” said course instructor and LSA teacher Christy Garner. “Everyday it’s a new awakening for them. …It’s the idea of trying to teach our students what philanthropy is so they can learn how to give back.”
The class is sponsored by the W. James Samford Jr. Foundation. Samford’s sister, Lucinda Cannon, had a similar class at a prep school in Atlanta and thought the program would benefit Lee-Scott.
“We would like to spend our money teaching others about philanthropy,” she explained. “They are given some money to give to one place,…so they have to be intentional.”
Wednesday, the students spoke on their experiences and presented checks to the organization of their choice.
“Choosing just one nonprofit was a very difficult decision for me,” said LSA student John Whittelsey, who chose to give his $784 to the East Alabama Food Bank.
Whittelsey’s funds are earmarked for Backpack Program, which discreetly sends meals home with qualified children for weekends and school breaks. His donation will feed seven students 32 weeks of meals during the 2014-2015 school year.
“The Food Bank has been a big part of my family,” Whittelsey said. “I’m glad to be the one helping this time.’
Student Candace Wilson’s decision to donate to Rescue K911 was a surprising one.
“I’m terrified of dogs,” she said when announcing her decision to donate to the Camp Hill-based rescue.
Wilson worked in the laundry room during the class’ visit, but admired the rescue’s no-kill policy and that 100 percent of funds go directly to the organization.
“No one was more surprised than we were that Candace was the one who chose us,” said Rescue K911 Director Larry Weaver.
Samantha Silseth also chose to donate to an organization that works with animals, Opelika’s Storybook Farm.
Storybook Farm uses equine therapy to help children in a variety of challenging circumstances. Silseth’s donation is going to the construction of a new barn as the nonprofit continues to grow.
“In their lives, many of these children are forced to sit on the sidelines,” Silseth explained, adding Storybook Farm is a place where they can shine.
Gracie Sanders, who chose to sponsor the city of Auburn’s Therapeutic Camp, made her decision based on a new friendship with one of the campers, 18-year-old Lanier. The camp is sponsored by Auburn Parks and Recreation and the Exceptional Outreach Organization, and fosters growth through recreation for people with special needs.
“The main reason I am giving to this camp is Lanier,” she explained. “I wanted to give other special needs people to be as happy as Lanier.”
Classmate Anna Kate Whitman also wanted to help people with disabilities by donating her stipend to Camp ASCCA.
“At Camp ASCCA, their disabilities don’t hold them back,” she said. “Every camper can do every activity their, no matter their disability. …I thought it was amazing how one camper said he loved camp more than Christmas.”
Whitman’s money will go toward the purchase of 11 Eno Hammocks for campers.
“We’re really excited about this,” said Camp ASCCA Director of Marketing and Communications Dana Rickman. “All our counselors are hanging their hammocks, so this will be a lot of fun for (campers) to hang out as well.”
Students Morgan Davis and Kallie Basden teamed up to donate $1,400 to Camp Smile-A-Mile, which will pay for at least five campers to attend camp next year. The camp serves young cancer patients, their families and young adult cancer survivors.
“Camp is the place to create friendships, have fun and get away from home,” Basden said. “All of these campers have been through similar struggles.”
Davis agreed.
“These camps allow the kids to interact with kids who are going through the exact same things,” she said.
Finally, Birmingham native Stone Ray decided to give to an organization far from Lee-Scott but close to his heart—REV Birmingham. The organization is dedicated to urban revitalization in the Magic City.
“For a while, I had given up on Birmingham,” Ray said. “It would be a great disservice to Birmingham if we dreamed too little dreams. And I have big dreams.”
Anna Kate is shown presenting her donation to Dana Rickman for Easter Seals Camp ASCCA.
