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The 9th Annual Heads Up For Our Youth Back to School Rally was a tremendous success, bringing together nearly 1,500 people at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex on August 11th. This year’s rally was a powerful demonstration of community support, providing essential school supplies, invaluable resources, and an unforgettable experience for students and their families.**Heartfelt Thanks to Our Sponsors
This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, whose contributions were key to making the rally a memorable occasion:
– Truliant Federal Credit Union
– Smart Flip
– Red Classic
– Greensboro Coliseum Complex
– Heads Up Barber and Beauty
– Batson-Cook Construction Company
– Modern Infiniti
Your partnership helped us make a lasting impact on the lives of so many young students, and for that, we are deeply grateful.
A Day of Resources and Fun
The Cops and Barbers Charity Basketball Game was a thrilling highlight of the 9th Annual Back to School Rally, featuring an intense matchup between the Heads Up Barber Association and the Guilford County Sheriff’s Department. The game went into overtime, with the Heads Up Barber Association emerging victorious by 4 points. Special guest coaches from The Greensboro Kaos added to the excitement, bringing the crowd to its feet. The competition and camaraderie on the court truly embodied the spirit of community, making it an unforgettable moment of the day.
The rally was packed with activities and resources designed to support and uplift our community. Highlights included:
– Wrestling Championship Belts:** Kids had the unique opportunity to wear real wrestling championship belts, sparking excitement and inspiration.
– Free Swimming Lessons:** Families were able to sign up their children for free swimming lessons, providing an important life skill.
– Health and Wellness Checks:** Blood pressure checks and other health services were available, ensuring attendees could take care of their well-being.
– Community Resources:** Attendees connected with real estate agents, insurance agents, and virtual medical assistance services, gaining access to crucial information and support.
Exciting Halftime Show and Activities
The event’s excitement peaked during the halftime show, featuring a high-energy performance by the Jogg Cheer Cheerleading Squad. One of the most anticipated activities, the Tug of War event, had both participants and spectators on the edge of their seats. “The Tug of War was so much fun!” exclaimed one young participant, capturing the joy and enthusiasm that filled the day. DJ Tito kept the energy high with music that had everyone moving and enjoying themselves.
Incredible Volunteer Support
We were thrilled to have nearly 60 volunteers from Toyota Battery Manufacturing, who played a crucial role in packing 1,100 book bags with supplies. Their dedication and hard work were truly inspiring and helped ensure the event ran smoothly.
Community Leaders and Attendees
The rally was honored by the presence of principals, teachers, community leaders, politicians, parents, and media representatives, all of whom contributed to the event’s success. The overwhelming support from every corner of our community was a testament to the shared commitment to our youth’s future.
Looking Ahead to Our 10th Annual Rally
As we celebrate the success of this year’s rally, we are already looking forward to next year’s milestone event – the 10th Annual Back to School Rally. We are committed to making it an even bigger and more impactful event, continuing our mission to support and empower our young students.
Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, and supported the 9th Annual Back to School Rally. Your participation and enthusiasm made this day unforgettable, and we can’t wait to see you all again next year!
For more information and to stay connected with upcoming events, visit our website at [www.hufoy.org](https://www.hufoy.org) and follow us on Instagram [@headsupforouryouth](https://www.instagram.com/headsupforouryouth/).
#HUFOY2024 #BackToSchool #CommunitySupport #Education #GiveBack #GreensboroColiseumComplex #SmartFlip #TruliantFederalCreditUnion #BatsonCook #ModernInfiniti
HUFOY’s mission is to promote economic development and educational equality for underserved youth in Greensboro NC and surrounding areas. Through strategic partnerships with organizations, community leaders, and businesses, we create programs for the educational growth and personal development of those we serve. Our goal is to empower youth to overcome barriers, achieve academic success, and thrive in their communities, fostering a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
Everything we do is centered on the premise of making life better for the youth and their families in our community. Every positive encounter, every risky behavior that is diverted and every thoughtful choice made is a testament to the work we do. Every positive outcome for the youth we serve is a positive outcome for us all, and it is with help from caring individuals , community leaders and businesses like yours that we are able to expand our reach and create a lasting impact for our children.
Rick Morton, DC Creighton, Tank Robinson, Kirk Thorpe, Michael McGorda, Jason Cox, Phil Lawson, Jarus Rice, Dwayne Shaw
(not show in photo Grade A Dre, Myles and Crystal)
Heads Up Barber and Beauty was more than just a place for haircuts; it was a hub of community spirit and service. Rick Morton and Dwayne Shaw, along with their team of barber brothers, had cultivated an atmosphere where conversation flowed as freely as the clippers buzzed.
One day, while Rick was deftly shaping a client’s hair, he was approached by none other than Kerry Charles, a Fox 8 News anchor. Kerry, struck by the camaraderie and sense of purpose in the barbershop, proposed an idea to Rick: What if they offered free haircuts to a group of students in need?
Rick, always receptive to opportunities to give back, immediately embraced the idea. And thus, the Big Brother Barber program was born. With the support of Dwayne and their barber brothers, they began offering free haircuts to students, coupled with mentorship and guidance.
The program quickly gained traction, with each event drawing more students and volunteers eager to make a difference. As word spread, so did the impact of the program, touching the lives of countless young individuals in the community.
However, Rick, Dwayne, and their team realized that there was more they could do to support the youth in their community. They saw a need for financial literacy education and resources, recognizing that empowerment went beyond just a fresh haircut.
So, they expanded their efforts, launching the Financial Literacy Program to equip young people with the knowledge and skills they needed to navigate their financial futures confidently.
But they didn’t stop there. They knew that education was key to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering young people to reach their full potential. And so, they established the Annual Back to School Rally, providing students with essential school supplies and resources to start the academic year off right.
To date, the impact of Heads Up For Our Youth continues to grow, touching the lives of countless young people in Greensboro and beyond. From humble beginnings in a barbershop to a thriving nonprofit organization, Rick, Dwayne, and their team remain committed to uplifting and empowering the youth in their community, one haircut, one lesson, and one school supply at a time.
© 2022 Heads Up For Our Youth All Rights Reserved.
501(c)(3) Nonprofit, Tax I.D. 47-3146377
