From the desk of Harvest Foundation President Kate Keller
|
During this season of gratitude, I like to reflect on the positive things happening around me.
This year, the Harvest Youth Board is once again hosting the W. Dan Prince III Thanksgiving Eve Dinner. Last year they served over 3,000 meals and are on track to repeat that this year. This large and logistically complex event is managed by 13 amazing local youth, their staff advisers, and hundreds of volunteers. I hope you all will be able to join us on Wednesday for some festive fun and food!
I’m also grateful for the progress our community is making. The last few weeks we had some major announcements of future projects such as the new YMCA, a potential amphitheater, and the big news that a 2,000 job manufacturer is moving on the border of Henry and Pittsylvania Counties at the Berry Hill Business Park.
In addition to these big projects, small ones are also underway, like the 6 (six) new Project Hope grants and the upcoming opening of the new fitness courts. These types of announcements and projects are strong indicators of a community on the rise and growing. They reflect an engaged community that is focused on the future.
With growth, there comes much potential but also much consideration for the type of growth a community desires. Both the City and the County have started or are about to start their Comprehensive Community Plans. The County kicked off its planning a few weeks ago (Find Out More) and the City will begin its process in 2025.
These are legally required plans, but they outline the community’s priorities and where public dollars should be invested. For MHC to grow the way in which you desire, the municipalities would be grateful for your ideas and suggestions. If you live in the county, please take its survey and find ways to share your ideas. If you live in the city, please watch for announcements for community input.
During this season of gratitude, please connect with those that you love and engage with your neighbors. The holiday season provides unique opportunities for us to come together and find ways for us to build a stronger future for us all.
|
|
|
The Black Box Theatre in Uptown Martinsville will receive upgrades to its dressing room and lift (elevator) to increase safety and usability of its downstairs area.
|
Black Box upgrades to boost youth engagement, community growth
|
Martinsville, Va. — TheatreWorks Community Players is working on upgrades to its Black Box Theatre in Uptown Martinsville with support from The Harvest Foundation.
A $25,000 grant, funded from Harvest’s PUP! Small Grants Program, will support work to construct a dressing room in the theatre’s downstairs area and repair the lift (elevator) so sets can safely be transported to the upstairs stage.
“I know firsthand the incredible impact theatre can have — not just on individuals, but on entire communities,” said Dr. Sandy Strayer, program officer for The Harvest Foundation. “This investment supports a space that fosters creativity, builds confidence, and brings people together. For our youth, it’s an opportunity to discover their voices and develop skills that will benefit them for a lifetime. For Martinsville and Henry County, this theatre serves as a vital anchor for community revitalization, inspiring pride and meaningful connection through the arts.”
|
|
|
Henry County celebrated the grand opening of its fitness court on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at the Monogram Foods Smith River Sports Complex.
|
High-tech outdoor fitness court opens in Henry County, coming soon to Martinsville
|
Martinsville, Va. — A new state-of-the-art outdoor fitness court opened Tuesday, Nov. 19 in Henry County at the Monogram Foods Smith River Sports Complex, and one is on its way to Martinsville through funding from the National Fitness Campaign and matching grants from The Harvest Foundation.
The Harvest Foundation provided $75,000 to the County of Henry and $70,000 to the City of Martinsville, which were matched with grants of $50,000 to the county and $40,000 to the city from the National Fitness Campaign. The outdoor fitness court is part of a national public/private wellness partnership to build the Fitness Court Network.
“Revitalizing Martinsville-Henry County through accessible fitness opportunities is a great way to enhance healthy outcomes and improve the quality of life for our community,” said Dr. Sandy Strayer, program officer at The Harvest Foundation. “Taking into account our overall county health indicators and the need to combat our community’s health disparities, these fitness courts are a place for families and friends to meet, be social, and connect through increased physical activity. Fitness courts don’t just build our strength — they build healthy, vibrant communities that we’re proud to call home.”
|
|
|
Pictured on the left left are employees from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office who completed a timed fitness demonstration with athletes at Patrick & Henry Community College. Pictured on the right are athletes from Patrick & Henry Community College.
|
Join us at the annual
W. Dan Prince III Thanksgiving Eve Dinner!
The Harvest Youth Board is thrilled to announce the 7th annual W. Dan Prince III Thanksgiving Eve Dinner, scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, from 1-4 p.m. at Martinsville High School.
The free Thanksgiving Meal will be available for dine-in, carryout and delivery, ensuring that all members of the Martinsville and Henry County communities can partake in the holiday dinner experience.
For those dining in or taking meals to go, no reservations are required. The menu consists of a traditional Thanksgiving meal with turkey, stuffing, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, bread and a cookie. Each family with children under 12 will receive a copy of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving by Charles M. Shulz, gifted by the Youth Board as a part of their commitment to promoting literacy.
Last year’s dinner served over 3,400 meals, compared to 2,800 meals served in 2022. In addition, there were more than 240 volunteers at last year’s dinner. The Harvest Youth Board distributed over 375 books to families. The event is a wonderful opportunity for the Martinsville and Henry County community to unite in a shared spirit of generosity and gratitude.
|
|
|
Scholarship Applications are Now Open!
The Community Foundation's Scholarship Application is NOW OPEN!
Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, a current college student, or returning to school as a non-traditional student, this is your chance to fund your future! Last year, over $775,000 was awarded to students just like you—now it’s your turn. Apply today!
|
|
|
| Pass GO and get $5,000 paid toward your student loans!
If approved, you can get an annual payment of $5,000 as a principal payment on your student loans over 10 years — for a maximum of $50,000!
Visit our website to find out more and apply today!
|
|
|
There's always something fun to do in
Martinsville-Henry County.
|
|
|
Fall colors are on display by the Big Chair in Uptown Martinsville.
|
Make an impact in your community. Share your HOPE.
|
We welcome your voice and ideas at The Harvest Foundation.
Our general responsive grants cycle is open year-round with consideration from our Board of Directors once a quarter. Our PUP Small Grants Program is an open process with decisions made in less than six weeks. Project Hope grants support small, grassroots projects with immediate impact.
The Harvest Youth Board has a $5,000 grant opportunity available for projects and programs that serve youth in Martinsville-Henry County.
Give our office a call to schedule an appointment with a program officer.
|
About The Harvest Foundation:
The Harvest Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 2002 by the sale of Memorial Hospital. In partnership with the diverse people and organizations that call MHC home, we serve as a long-term catalyst, advocate, and investor to make our community a welcoming place where all can thrive. Our vision is a community where everyone shares in the promise of an MHC that is healthy, prosperous, and vibrant. To date, the foundation has invested more than $170 million in grant dollars back into the community and has an annual grants budget of roughly $10-12 million. To find out more about Harvest, visit www.theharvestfoundation.org.
|
|
|
Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.
|
134 E. Church St. P.O. Box 5183 | Martinsville, VA 24115 US
|
|
|
This email was sent to lhodges@theharvestfoundation.org.
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
|
| |
|
|
