Orange County Insight May 2023

American Woodmark Foundation Donates to County Departments

By: Orange County Parks and Recreation

This month Orange County Parks and Recreation and the Office on Youth received donations from the American Woodmark Foundation to sponsor Playin ’ in the Park, Orange County ’ s annual Independence Day celebration, and Orange County High School ’ s After - Prom program. This is one of many donations the Office on Youth and Parks and Recreation has received over the years. These donations will help the Office on Youth hold events that prevent juvenile delinquency, which is their main goal. During After - Prom, the Office on Youth are able to ensure safety of off - campus events and other activities instead of engaging in high - risk behavior. “ This time is important for those heading off to college as a final farewell, ” Alisha Vines, director of the Office on Youth, said. “ This is one of the best events all year! ”

American Woodmark is a kitchen and bath cabinet manufacturer headquartered in Winchester, Virginia with a manufacturing plant located in the Town of Orange.

What is Michael ’ s Mile?

By: Orange County Parks and Recreation

Michael ’ s Mile is a color fun run in honor of Michael Ridgeway, who died at the age of six (6). His friends and family remember him for his unwavering compassion and giving personality. It wasn ’ t uncommon that he would show up to his kindergarten class with homemade presents for everyone. Michael ’ s family and friends thought the best way to keep his memory alive was to create a program called Michael ’ s Gift that would reflect his caring attitude toward others. The purpose of Michael ’ s Gift is to help Orange County youth reach their full potential by funding enrichment activities such as karate, art classes, sports programs, music lessons, and more. Parent ’ s who cannot afford to pay for their children ’ s extracurricular activities or equipment apply to the Michael ’ s Gift fund for help in managing these costs. The Michael ’ s Mile Color Fun Run serves as an opportunity to donate to the Michael ’ s Gift and help local families in Orange County. Each participant in the Color Fun Run will receive a free t - shirt at the event!

Page 31 | May, 2023

Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter