Dear Supporters,

As we enter our thirteenth year of delivering on a set of key initiatives that enable our ability to Lead, Mentor, and Support various student outreach activities, I am excited about the expected impact we will have this year to make a positive difference in our community. The mission we had in January 2010 to utilize role Modeling, Guidance, and Scholastic Achievement to encourage and financially support college matriculation, still resonates today. In fact, given the somewhat stagnant college enrollment numbers for young men of color, your continued support is even more critical to this ongoing endeavor moving forward.

 

Our officers and board members, in coordination with the social action committee of Delta Nu Boulé, are both excited and invigorated about the upcoming community engagement forums, student outreach activities and fundraising scheduled for this year. The Opportunity Foundation (TOF) is nationally known for our flagship events and programs that include Couch Conversations, Darwin Davis Golf Tournament, and EDP (Education Demonstration Project). We welcome your attendance and participation throughout the year.

The first half of 2023, we have plans to partner with an institution of higher education to host our 4th series of Couch Conversations. This event designed to broaden the reach of TOF by providing meaningful historical, contemporary, and future-looking information and data to the community through panels of knowledgeable and respected business and community leaders. TOF has partnered with UCONN and Quinnipiac University on separate occasions beginning in February 2019 for Black History Month. The first session included guest speakers Dr. Eddie Glaude, Chair of the Department of African American Studies at Princeton University, and Dr. Jeffery Ogbar, UCONN Professor of History and Founder/Director of the Center for Popular Music. The topics for subsequent sessions focused on “Making our Vote Count” and the “Future Vision of Black Excellence”. Click <here> for additional information about Couch Conversations.

 

Our “award winning” student outreach program continues to pay dividends and highlight quantifiable results for young men in our community. The Education Demonstration Project (EDP) is a program that directly impacts young Black males in our community with a particular emphasis on the benefits of education through and beyond high school. The program began in February 2015 in partnership with the Stamford, CT YMCA. The mentoring design was based on a multi-faceted format, with subject matter that included: Personal Stories by our members, business, and industry presenters; Personal Stories by visiting business and education industry presenters; Gentlemen and Etiquette, which involved having dinner at a fine restaurant and instructions on proper behavior and table manners; College Admissions held at UCONN; and a presentation by a judge and police officers talking about staying out of trouble. We are also partnering with the Carver Foundation of Norwalk to deliver mentoring and guidance to middle schoolers. Click <here> for additional information on our student outreach programs.

 

In 2010, Delta Nu Boule, in conjunction with our Foundation, held the inaugural Darwin N. Davis Sr. Memorial Golf Tournament in memory of this business pioneer and member of our organization. The proceeds of the golf tournament were then used to fund scholarships in the name of Mr. Davis.

The mission of the Darwin N. Davis, Sr. Memorial Scholarship is to assist deserving, disadvantaged students in reaching their highest potential in education. The Opportunity Foundation will award scholarships to high school students who personify Darwin’s legacy. The Foundation has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to date. We have followed the successful career development of our scholarship recipients. This year we are targeting total awards of up to four $2,500 one-year scholarships which can be renewed annually pending academic performance and community service. This year’s scholarships will be awarded on the basis of academic achievement, extra-curricular/community involvement, leadership/team skills, financial need, honors, written communication skills, letters of recommendation, and essays.

We invite you to join us as a sponsor for this event next year in 2024. This is an opportunity to promote your company to a group of affluent and highly loyal customers as well as to the many business professionals participating in the tournament. All of our members have college degrees and nearly all have advanced degrees. In short, you will get exposure amongst a who’s who of African American men…and we will remember your support.

Brick by brick, we are steadfast with our resolve to build on our foundation to make a difference in the lives of the young men in our community. Your support in this effort is both welcomed and appreciated.

 

Sincerely,

 

Ronald K. Woods

 

Ronald K. Woods

President

The Opportunity Foundation