Before our inaugural Durham Softball season, we asked our team captains to answer some questions about their organizations so we can help educate our players on their cause and why their work is important for the Durham community. These are their answers!
Girls on the Run of the Triangle
Co-Captain’s Name:
Mia Xavier
Job / Title with Non-Profit:
Director of Development
Personal Background:
I’ve been a huge baseball fan all my life. Grew up with family tickets to see the Angels, seen many a Red Sox game and their farm team, the Pawtucket Red Sox. Never played softball myself, but my 14 yo son plays baseball and I love being his throwing partner!
What do you like most about Girls on the Run?
I am grateful to be part of a team that helps young girls develop their confidence, grow their character, become more compassionate and caring, and to have an impact on our next generation of women leaders.
Please describe Girls on the Run and what they do for the Durham community.
Girls on the Run of the Triangle is a nonprofit, physical activity-based, positive youth development program for girls in Durham County in 3rd through 8th grades designed to develop and enhance girls’ social, psychological, and physical competencies to successfully navigate life experiences. Our mission is to create a world full of joyful, healthy, and confident girls acting on their values and opportunities. As the name implies, running is a part of the program, but our primary focus is empowerment. Our experience-based curriculum is designed to help girls across the Triangle activate their limitless potential.
What is a specific project/initiative will a contribution from Durham Softball help?
Proceeds from the softball league will go toward our Annual Scholarship Fund. Since our inception in 2000, we have served over 17,000 girls throughout Durham, Orange, and Wake Counties. One in three girls receives scholarship assistance, and in 2018 we will award $115,000 in scholarship funds. It is our priority to ensure that no girl is ever denied the opportunity to participate in one of our programs, regardless of her family’s ability to pay.
Why did Girls on the Run want to join the Durham Softball League?
We seek ways to collaborate with other nonprofits to grow our programs and expand our reach. To us, this is a fun way to meet other nonprofit leaders, learn what issues their work is addressing, and find ways to partner.
What would Girls on the Run do with a $200 donation from Durham Softball? What would they do with a $1000 donation?
The cost of our program is $205 per girl. All funds go directly to our Annual Scholarship Fund, so a donation of $200 would fund one scholarship. A donation of $1,000 would fund (5) scholarships.
Other than your own team, what other non-profit in the Durham Softball League would you want to win the championship? Why?
Preferred not to make a selection
Featured Week Donation Item: Colored Makers/Pencils!
We want people to know that Girls on the Run is not a running program. GOTR is a character-development and empowerment program for girls in elementary and middle school that gives girls the tools and resources to make good choices and life a life of joy, health and confidence. The program includes projects for the girls to complete that require items like colored markers and pencils, so we can help Girls on the Run by helping cover the cost of these supplies. Any new, unused box of colored markers, or any new or lightly used box of colored pencils, will be accepted.
During one week of the 2018 season, Durham Softball players will have the chance to donate COLORED MARKERS OR PENCILS to Girls on the Run of the Triangle. The team that combines to bring the most colored markers/pencils will earn a bonus donation for their team’s sponsor! You’ll earn a point per marker/pencil, rather than per box, and donations will be accepted at the field until the last out of the last game each week.
Thanks for your support!