November 27, 2018 – Covington Partners hosted Thanks (for) Giving at The Roebling Room at Smoke Justis on Tuesday, November 27. The event, held on Giving Tuesday, celebrated the many contributions of the organization’s donors and volunteer mentors and served as the release of the organization’s 2017-2018 Annual Report Card to the community. Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday and kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving.
Covington Partners Executive Director Stacie Strotman recognized two volunteers for the extraordinary dedication to Covington students:
Shannon Eggleston, Executive Director of i.imagine photography, was presented with the Above and Beyond Award. The award goes to an individual who demonstrates incredible commitment to students in our community. For the past two years, Shannon has brought the i.imagine Photography Club to Holmes Middle Schools students in the afterschool program. Students from the club recently unveiled a permanent mural of their photographs at the corner of 9th Street and Madison Avenue in Covington. “Shannon proves that students in our community can accomplish anything when they know that adults in their community believe in them,” said Strotman.
Chad Turner, Teaching Artist from Baker Hunt Art & Cultural Center, was presented with the Margaret Fifer Award. The award goes to an individual who gives what they can to ensure that students receive the support they need to be successful. Chad has led Baker Hunt Art Club at Holmes High School for the past seven years. He has dedicated over four hours each week to providing students with different opportunities for creative expression, presenting students with the opportunity to practice their artistic abilities, express themselves through art, and contribute to the school community and beyond. One art club student said about Chad, "No matter who you are or your artistic ability, he will guide you to be the best artist and person you can be. He not only teaches us about art, but he is also a person we look up to, respect, and can talk to about everything from college to Harry Potter."
Highlights from the 2017-2018 Annual Report Card include:
- 269 adults volunteered more than 4,200 hours as mentors to students in grades 3-12.
- 81% of students in Covington Independent Public Schools had an adult family member attend one of 248 family engagement events.
- 2,275 students participated in before-school, after-school and summer learning programs.
Strotman thanked those in attendance for their support over the years, “We could not support students and families in Covington without your commitment of time, talent and treasure. We know that when we can provide support systems for a student like a mentor or an opportunity to attend an afterschool program, they have a better chance to be successful in school and life. Every student in our community deserves to be hopeful, supported and ready for their future and with your help – we can make that happen.”
The organization raised $4,495 on Giving Tuesday, over half of the $8,000 goal for this year’s holiday giving campaign. To contribute today and help us meet our goal, please click the DONATE NOW on the homepage.