Behind the Scenes: Making the Connection Between Your Dollar and the Youth It Helps
It’s not everyday we are lucky enough to meet someone whose personal journey makes us hopeful for the future. Today, I want to introduce you to an incredible young man who is making a difference for his family and community. His story is the reason why we support the Notah Begay III Foundation. And for those of you who have generously donated over the years, I hope Demitrius’ journey with the organization inspires you to give again. Now, more than ever, native youth are struggling and need our support.
Demitrius Payne, a Notah Begay III Foundation team member tells us, “I am 22 and am from the Pueblo of Laguna. I am half African American on my dad’s side and Laguna and Hopi (Pueblo) on my mom’s side. As of recently, I have also become the Legal Guardian for my younger sister with the passing of both of our parents. I am currently enrolled as a part time student at Central New Mexico Community College, where I am studying in the field of exercise science. I am currently one of NB3FIT’s Program Coordinators, and also the lead of the Junior Golf Program.”
He participated in the NB3F Junior Golf Program in high school before becoming a team member his junior year. For those of you who have donated to the Notah Begay III Foundation through a Raving fundraising event (Raving NEXT, Native Strong Comedy Slam & Jam, Insider Party) or donated directly, you made an impact on Demitrius and other youth like him.
About the Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation
The Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation is a national, award-winning Native-led nonprofit leading the way to improve Native American children’s health. Raving partners with the foundation to promote their mission. In my interview, I wanted to talk about the impact Covid has had on the foundation, but more importantly those they serve.
When Covid-19 hit, the foundation shifted gears to not only help their constituents in their home base of New Mexico, but other organizations as well.
Their small team worked together to distribute 67,000 pounds of food and supplies to Native communities in need and with additional funds, granted over $300,000 directly to Native-led organizations and tribal communities to provide relief in their communities. Read the full story
Connecting Your Dollars to the Youth It Serves
And so I ask you to take a few minutes and meet Demitrius and feel his energy and passion, to make a connection with someone that has benefited from the generous donations of Raver’s like you.
He reminds me that every dollar counts – whether that is a dollar granted to a Tribal organization thousands of miles away from the foundation’s headquarters in New Mexico to support clean drinking water, or if that dollar is used to get kid’s moving through NB3FIT programs. EVERY. DOLLAR. COUNTS.
I can’t thank Demitrius enough for his honesty and taking the time with me. If you’d like to make a donation, at any level, or bid on a very cool guitar through our annual Native Strong Comedy Slam & Jam Fundraiser (all proceeds go to the Notah Begay III Foundation), you can do so here.
Deana and Brady Scott
Raving
[email protected]
PS – Visit NativeStrongComedySlam.com to learn how you can support this summer! Participate in the online guitar auction or make a direct donation before July 26, 2021.