Photo:
Back Row: Laura Taylor, Wellness Experience Lead; Sabrina Lawrence, Senior Regional Director of Wellness Experience; Jenna Patton, Executive Director of Aquatics; Chad Clark, Interim Youth Development Director; Noelle Stevenson, Director of Development; Courtney Hindemit, Associate Director of Aquatics
Front Row: Amanda Hurley, Senior Vice President, Chief Development Officer; Adam Cardwell, Executive Director; Joe Peele, Vice President of Operations; Duane Long, President of Kernersville Foundation; Dona Neal, Treasurer of Kernersville Foundation; Donna Rodgers, Interim CEO
The Kernersville Foundation provided an $8,000 grant to support the YMCA Bright Beginnings initiative. The purpose of YMCA Bright Beginnings is to help 5-18-year-old youth start the school year on an even footing with their peers. Being well-equipped for the school year helps students to build confidence, so they will be more successful in the classroom.
YMCA Bright Beginnings pairs a youth, identified by local schools as needing assistance, with an adult volunteer to shop for clothing and shoes. Each student will also be given a backpack loaded with school supplies appropriate for their grade level. The YMCA’s goal is to raise $30,000, which will serve 150 Kernersville-area students.
Adam Cardwell, Kernersville YMCA Executive Director, said, "YMCA Bright Beginnings is one of my favorite programs and one of the most rewarding times of the year at the Y. It is incredible to see the smiles on so many students' faces and the joy shared by our volunteers. This program is truly a blessing for families in our community, but it is also a blessing for the volunteers and staff who have the opportunity to make a difference in a child's life. Bright Beginnings allows us to see firsthand the lasting impact this program has right here in the Kernersville community."
The Kernersville Foundation encourages the community to also support this worthwhile program and reach its goal of serving 150 Kernersville children. Volunteers are also needed to pair up with a student to shop for clothes and shoes. Volunteers ride the YMCA buses on Saturday, August 1, 2026, for the first shift at 7:00 am and/or the second shift at 9:00 am, the shopping day. There will be two shopping shifts, with the first beginning with breakfast at the YMCA before shopping. The second shift does breakfast at the YMCA before their shopping mid-morning. Volunteers are also needed to help serve breakfast and help with the event on Saturday, August 1. To volunteer as a shopper or to help with the event at the YMCA, contact Adam Cardwell at [email protected]. Mail or drop off financial contributions to Kernersville Family YMCA, 1113 West Mountain Street, Kernersville, NC 27284.
The Kernersville Fountain contributes to 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organizations with a presence in Kernersville and addresses significant community needs. All Kernersville Foundation support serves Kernersville residents. All Kernersville Foundation grant funds for 2026 have been committed. The next grant cycle to apply for support from the Kernersville Foundation is March 2027.