Island children with limited resources and who struggle for an education will once again benefit from Daryl’s ‘Kids of Belize’ fundraising program. For the past year and a half, Daryl Kennedy, the programs founder, has been raising funds to assist children with scholarships and even desks. The program has grown rapidly, to the point that even tertiary level students are benefiting from scholarships.
As in the past, this year’s fundraising event brought an evening of great music; from Reggae to classics, supporters were entertained for hours. It all happened on Saturday, April 9th, at the Island Time Beach Bar in Southern Ambergris Caye. From 1PM until the bar closed, Kennedy and local musicians rocked the mic.
The audience also indulged in the many delicious options from the menu, including roast pork. Some attendees declared it their favorite, and were double pleased that proceeds assisted a worthy cause.
Kids of Belize has also embarked in a new program offering the opportunity to sponsor a child or family. This initiative aims to keep children in school. Some families that have two or more children may struggle to pay tuition. In some cases a child may skip a year or more. Through the new program these particular families can avoid that scenario.
“All the funds collected today will go towards helping students with their educational expenses. We try help as much as we can,” said Kennedy. “In the past year, over a hundred children have benefited with school help, and desks were donated. Now we are even assisting college students with scholarships.” A wish list was collected at the event to determine how proceeds could best be used.
The event also held 50-50 cash raffles, in which lucky winners donated their cash prizes, making the event extra successful. Besides the raffles, there were T-shirts on sale and a silent auction on one of Kennedy’s acoustic guitars.
All students assisted under the program are usually identified by families or individuals who then contact Kennedy. At the same time, during fundraising events, information on potential students and families is acquired and then added to the list. The program assists children with school desks and supports a book program as well. It was made clear that no funds are given directly to the individuals. All donation funds are paid directly to the schools on the child’s behalf.
Daryl’s Kids of Belize would like to thank everyone who attended the event and contributed in some way to the program. He invites anyone who would like to assist with the program or needs assistance to contact the organization at [email protected]
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