(L-R) Chris Perry, Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Tri State Area, Wendy Hilliard, Founder of Wendy Hillliard Gymnastics Foundation, Linda Dunham McDonald’s Owner Operator and Former RMHC Global Chairman
On Wednesday, July 27, 2016, Ronald McDonald House Charities® New York Tri-State Area (RMHC NYTSA) awarded a $7,500 community grant to the Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation (WHGF), a not-for-profit organization that provides free and low-cost quality gymnastics for inner-city youth based in Harlem, New York.
“In keeping with our organization’s mission of supporting programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children, we have historically supported the Wendy Hilliard Foundation for its groundbreaking program for young women, which incorporates not only gymnastics, but also general education and proper nutrition programming,” said Christopher Perry, Executive Director of RMHC NYTSA.
The WHGF is celebrating their 20th anniversary of successful programming this year. In the past two decades, the WHGF has served more than 17,000 local youth, developing elite athletes and international gymnastic performers in the process. Founder Wendy Hilliard, Hall of Fame rhythmic gymnast and the first African-American to represent the U.S. in international competition, also recently announced that the WHGF will be expanding and providing gymnastics programs in Hilliard’s hometown of Detroit, Michigan in fall 2016.
“As a local charity, we are so grateful for this award. It is through partnerships and grants like these that we are able to create opportunities for our local youth to excel in nontraditional sports like gymnastics.” said WHGF Founder, Wendy Hilliard. “With this extra funding, we have the power to support over 250 youth with gymnastics and workshops to provide youth with the tools to become healthy, active and well rounded adults.”
This year, RMHC NYTSA has now awarded over $200,000 in community grants to nonprofit organizations that serve children. To be considered for a community grant, grant applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a specific program that directly benefits children aged 0-21 years, consistent and effective management, clear goals and objectives, and a demonstrated ability to respond to the needs of children in a manner that yields measurable results. For more information on the organization’s grants program, please visit www.rmhcnytristate.org.
Photo Credit: Don Sherrill
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Click to view slideshow.About Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Tri-State Area
For over 20 years, Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Tri-State Area has been creating, finding and supporting programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. Their signature programs include scholarships to help provide access to a college education for students who need and earn it, and community grants to support a variety of local children’s charities. The organization also provides needed support to five Ronald McDonald Houses, which are “homes away from home” allowing families to be with their hospitalized children for extended periods of time. To learn more about the organization, please visit www.rmhcnytristate.org.
