We hoped to welcome Fall and all the favorite activities we enjoy, from school sports, college football games, picking apples, carving pumpkins in a refreshing “real” way! After a summer of experiencing life in a more normal way, many parents including our Better2gether families cherished the thought of sending kids back to school for the first time since March 2020.
As COVID is on the rise and continues to wreak havoc on our most vulnerable, Better2gether is also ready to adapt. While the Better2gether RVA Cares 5k will be in person, we will practice mask wearing and safety measures to protect our community. We are considering options for our programs and how to deliver safe events. If the past year and half has taught us nothing else, we have learned to be nimble and adjust. We recognize the needs of families of children with medical complexity bears no season. Support and guidance is a consistent requirement. We thank you, our community of supporters, for volunteering at our in person events, donating to keep our organization strong and celebrating our success as we grow to be the resource medically complex kids deserve.
Thank you,
Stephanie Becker
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Upcoming Events
WAYS TO BE INVOLVED WITH BETTER2GETHER
Better2gether RVA Cares 5k presented by UPS
September 18, 2021 – 8am to 12pm (Race starts at 9am)
Gayton Elementary School – 12481 Church Road, Richmond, VA
The Better2gether RVA Cares 5k presented by UPS is back, in-person on September 18th at Gayton Elementary. This event has something for everyone – runners, walkers, strollers and wagons are all welcome.
There are prizes for top finishers as well those “Best Dressed” and “Most Spirited” folks as well! Stick around for games and activities including a bounce house, Chik-fil-a, Kona Ice and more at the post-event party.
REGISTER TODAY
Sign up today: www.rvacares5k.com
We are grateful to our amazing sponsors for supporting us through the Better2gether RVA Cares 5k. Partnering with these organizations is meaningful to us but it’s also meaningful to them.
Here’s what Call Federal’s Cara Clements had to say about sponsoring the 5k: “We are so proud to sponsor Better2gether in their RVA Cares 5K and the support they provide families of children with rare or complex medical illnesses. It means the world to our team at Call Federal to have the opportunity to walk side-by-side with our friend at Better2Gether and the families they support.”
Thank you to our sponsors: UPS, Call Federal Credit Union, Anthem, Dominion Payroll, Express Oil Change, Short Pump Orthodontics, Guild Mortgage, Meadows Urquhart Acree & Cook, C&F Bank, NorthBank Partners and Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. We appreciate you!
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Synapse Signature Nonprofit Neighbor Golf Games
October 14, 2021 – Hunting Hawk Golf Course
Better2gether is excited to be chosen as a beneficiary of the 2021 Synapse Signature Nonprofit Neighbor Golf Games tournament being held at Hunting Hawk golf course on October 14th.
Join us for a fun day of golf while supporting 4 wonderful nonprofits. For more information or to sign up, go to: www.fundraiser.bid/synapsegolf21.
We are seeking sponsors as well players. For sponsorship information, click here.
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Events
Awesome August
Better2gether Summer Bash Series – August Event
Our Better2gether families gathered together again for our Awesome August event that was all about keeping cool on a super hot day! Our children enjoyed various games along splashing in the water sprinkler, water toys, and best of all yummy popsicles. They also made sailboats from pool noodles, created marble paintings with shaving cream, and painted a large mural togeher.
We are grateful to Seasonal Roots for donating boxes of fresh produce. Furthermore, thanks to our community donors who contributed school supplies and backpacks along with snacks, beverages, and other fun musical instruments and toys for our B2G children to enjoy.
Our B2G Staff and Volunteers enjoyed a special day with our children–playing various water games as well as creating arts and crafts. We are grateful for their time and assistance in making our Awesome August event such a success.
Connie Tran, our newest board member, designs a glitter tattoo.
April Tillar, our newsletter volunteer,
helps Presley as she paints our B2G mural.
Kathleen Hager, our music therapy volunteer,
assisted our children in making sailboats.
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Volunteer Spotlight
Please Join Us in Welcoming Better2gether Board Member Connie Tran
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Connie Tran now calls Richmond home. After graduating from VCU with dual degrees in Finance and Marketing, with a minor in Economics, Tran was thrilled to join Dominion Energy as a Financial Analyst.
Connie enjoys spending her free time traveling and exploring cities (including Richmond!) through food, festivals, and concerts. Yet, she always makes time to give back to others.
Whether serving as the Secretary of the VCU Business Alumni Society, or actively participating in Dominion Energy’s employee resource groups and their recruiting ambassador program, Connie ’s commitment to community service is an important part of her life.
In fact, since her youngest years, Connie looked for ways to volunteer and make a positive difference. “Growing up, I was always passionate about helping children, whether they were my little cousins or students at the local elementary school,” explains Connie. “(In college), I led a student organization at VCU that was dedicated to raising awareness of various issues children face, while fundraising to send local underprivileged children to specialized summer camps.”
When Connie learned about Better2gether from Rob Hines, B2G Board member and colleague at Dominion Energy, she knew it would be an ideal fit for her professional skill set and passion for serving children and families.
“I enjoy helping others,” Connie shares. “If I have the resources, time, and knowledge to make someone’s life just a tad smoother or brighten their day, I want to do so. Throughout my life, there have been countless people that have helped me become the person I am today, and I want to pay it forward.”
Connie believes that her background in Finance and Marketing, as well as her experience in event planning and fundraising, will work well in serving the mission of Better2gether. “I want to spread awareness about the organization and increase engagement and involvement,” she says. “I hope to strengthen our current programs and initiatives and bring new ideas to ultimately support more families in the community.”
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Community Partners
Birdies for Charity
We are excited to participate in the Dominion Energy Charity Classic’s 2021 Birdies for Charity program presented by TowneBank where every donation to Better2gether is bonused by 10%.
Through Birdies for Charity you can donate the following ways:
- Donate Online
- Donate by Check
- Donate Stock
- Donate Donor Advised Funds
- Donate via Electronic Funds Transfer
- Donate Required Minimum Distribution from IRA
For more information about the different ways to donate, visit the Donation Guide.
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Seasonal Roots
Seasonal Roots is your online farmers market, home-delivering local produce, grassfed dairy, meat, and eggs, plus wholesome artisan fare — all fresh, sustainable, and humane. Order online, then eat better and live better while supporting family farmers!
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Molina Healthcare and Aetna
We’d like to extend our appreciation to Molina Healthcare and Aetna for helping us equip our families with school supplies for the coming school year! Backpacks, notebooks, pens and more, our families were able to “shop” for their favorite color and item. Thank you for your support!
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Notre Dame Club of Richmond
Better2gether was honored to be selected as this year’s Send-Off Service Project of Notre Dame Club of Richmond. Alumni and incoming students donated numerous gift cards from some of our families’ favorite places. These gift cards will be included in birthday cards and other occasions when our children might need a special surprise.
Special thanks to Mary Grace Walsh, B2G Volunteer and Notre Dame freshman, along with Matt McCurd, Vice President of the Club, who coordinated the service project.
https://ndrichmond.com
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PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING TODAY!
There are thousands of families in RVA caring for a child with a medically complex illness who have no non-medical support. Please consider donating today so Better2gether RVA can meet the needs of these deserving families and children.
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