Inspiring Minds Raises Critical Money at Annual Gala
It’s a simple word that can be so complex.
‘Future’ is defined as a time that is to come…what’s going to happen.
For so many kids growing up in Warren and Youngstown – where violence seems to know no bounds – it’s hard to imagine much of one.
“We deal with a lot of single parent homes, a lot of our parents work,” says Carl Diggs, program director for Inspiring Minds.
16 years ago, Deryck Toles formed the nonprofit, hosting after-school and summer programs for Valley kids.
Its mission now has a four-state footprint.
Braylin Dyson is 16, but already has a clear vision of his future.
“I want to be a doctor,” he says, adding that Inspiring Minds helped shape that vision.
“(They) help me with financial stuff, tell me about different things to help me succeed.”
“I just feel like the younger we can get them, the better,” added Diggs.
Thursday, Inspiring Minds hosted its annual fundraising gala.
Hoping to raise around $100,000 to cover another year of programs, volunteers like Diggs say everyone of those dollars has priceless value.
“We just want to continue to do the things we’ve been doing in this area, continue to find ways to raise money and therefore reach more kids,” he said. “One of the issues we have is the capacity, like to build a space in order to reach more kids.”
Thursday’s fundraiser will surely help.
As our communities continue to try to replace violence with peace, it’s help that can’t come at a better time for kids like Braylin Dyson.
“They gave me mentors to talk me through rough times and help me get to the level where I can succeed.”
A future Inspiring Minds made brighter in a world that can be so dark.