Rivers Givers Award Grants and Learn Lessons

Kids and teens facing a range of challenges. Disabled athletes who want the opportunity to participate in sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and cycling. Immigrant families transitioning to a new life in the U.S.

These are the people who will receive support this year from Rivers Givers, a longtime Rivers initiative in which students study the world of philanthropy and non-profits, research local organizations that address community issues, make site visits, and vote on grants.
The Givers program is open to juniors and seniors; participants are required to attend four workshops throughout the year as the group decides how best to distribute the money it raises through various events such as T-shirt sales and dress-down days. The program was established in 2002 and raises about $5,000 for charitable giving each year. (The Parents’ Association provides matching dollars, so the group donates about $10,000 annually).

At a recent Friday assembly, members of Rivers Givers announced this year’s three grant winners and presented them with checks. Representatives from each organization made brief presentations about their programs, expressing their thanks and describing just what the grant money will mean to them. Jules LeBlanc and Lisa Limonciello, from the Waltham Boys & Girls Club, shared a story about a teen struggling with complex family issues who found support and purpose through the club’s programs. “The Boys & Girls Club saved my life,” the teen had written. The grant money, said LeBlanc and Limonciello, will allow young Boys & Girls Club members to attend a national conference.

Next up was Dana Roberts, of New England Disabled Sports, who shared an inspiring video showing disabled young people participating in various activities through the use of adaptive equipment. The Rivers Givers grant, she said, will allow NEDS to purchase a special sit ski that can be used by people with lower-limb impairments.

Finally, Geralde Gabeau, of Immigrant Family Services Institute, gave an impassioned presentation describing IFSI’s work with newly arrived families, mostly from Haiti, as they integrate into American society and culture. She described the organization as “a bridge that connects children with services.” She continued, “I cannot thank you enough” for the Rivers Givers grant money, which will go toward hiring a new program director.

Kit Cunningham, director of service learning, oversees the program. She says its value extends well beyond the funds raised and donated. Students learn about how nonprofits function and how to assess a grant proposal, how to look at a budget and prioritize charitable giving. “It’s not just about giving money—there’s a lot in there,” says Cunningham. “There’s a lot of curriculum around this, and that’s the most important thing. They are gaining some understanding about how to make a difference.”

Students who participate in the program agreed. “Being a part of Rivers Givers this year has really opened me up to the world of community service and philanthropy,” says Addy Vettel ’20. “I had done a good amount of community service before this club, but I never knew about the behind-the-scenes work and the systems that went into play. In this club, I was educated about the social, financial, and political aspects of community service and the different roles that they have.”

Mark Ryan ’20, another Rivers Givers participant, adds, “The best feature about the Rivers Givers program is being able to see where the money we donate goes. As part of the Rivers Givers program, we’re able to visit the organizations and see if the money raised should be given to one program or another. While this decision making is tough, we know that it’s important to donate the funds where we believe they will best be used. The decision-making process is similar to making certain decisions in everyday life. The Rivers Givers program reminds us to be thoughtful and mindful—which helps us grow philanthropically.”
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