Girls Incorporated in Bristol has been the recipient of a prestigious FLITE award from Virginia's First Lady, Maureen McDonnell. She was in Bristol on Tuesday, October 25, 2011, for a celebration of the local organization's 60th anniversary. The official website of the First Lady of Virginia explains what the FLITE award is all about:
First Lady's Initiatives Team Effort recognizes programs, activities, organizations, or individuals who embody the ideal of “getting involved and giving back.” Its purpose is to bring attention to the great work being done by selfless people around the Commonwealth who are taking the opportunity to leave the Commonwealth a better place than they found it.
The local agency serves around 200 girls from low-income backgrounds who might be at risk for drug abuse and helps them become successful young women. Girls Incorporated places much emphasis on developing self-esteem in the girls that they serve. Their success has been documented in many ways, including some very impressive grades on report cards.
This was a special day for Girls Incorporated, and Bristol should be very proud of their achievements. The First Lady's visit was an honor, and another local business made it even more exciting with a sizeable donation to the organization. Alpha Natural Resources made a $10,000 donation in the form of a "big check" during the day's festivities. Ironically, over 2/3 of the girls served come from homes where the annual income is less than $10,000, according to the Tri-Cities News website.
Girls Inc Board Member, Kim Sorensen, commented on the significance of Maureen McDonnell's visit:
Having Virginia's First Lady Mrs. Maureen McDonnell visiting Girls Incorporated of Bristol today for our 60th Anniversary was wonderful. As a Board of Trustee for this organization, this was a very rewarding day to know that what we strive so hard to do helps and touches so many lives. Many thanks to Alpha Natural Resources for their large donation to Girls Incorporated. Thanks to all the people who came out today for this wonderful event and supporting the girls, and thanks to all the board members and staff for doing so much and dedicating many hours of their time to make all this come together.
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