Blogging for Good: Valencia Foundation #CFLGood

This year at Central Florida Blogger Conference (#CFLBlogCon) we decided to do some social good with our social media influence for our local community. I’m going to do my part in spreading the word by spreading the word about 1 of the 6 local non-profits featured each week.

What is  “Blogging for Good” presented by the Rollins Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership Center?

It  is a social media campaign where bloggers raise awareness about local nonprofits and encourage their readers to enter a raffle. Raffle dollars go directly to the charities. By uniting the social media power of over 250 bloggers, we promise to make a difference! http://www.cflbloggingforgood.com/

The Valencia Foundation is the first on my list because it’s the easiest for me to brag about. I’m part of it’s board of directors, which is comprised of nearly 60 community leaders who volunteer their time and talents to support scholarships, faculty chairs, and learning programs. The Valencia Foundation raises dollars to develop scholarships for students in need to make education possible for thousands.

Why are scholarships important? Of the top five reasons students cite for dropping out of college, four are financial. Because many of Valencia’s students are working a full-time or several part-time jobs — as well as balancing family, community, volunteer and personal commitments — scholarships make a tremendous difference in their ability to attend college and make a difference in our community. I’m a scholarship recipient from the University Club of Orlando and was able to attend both a community college and university. I might have not been able to complete my degree without these scholarships.

It’s amazing to hear the stories from former recipients of the Valencia Foundation scholarship and what impact their education has made in their lives. The Valencia Foundation maintains over 650 named scholarships, academic support funds, endowed teaching chairs and fellowships. With a promise that 100 percent of donations are used exclusively for our donors’ intended purpose, such as scholarship and endowments.

Upcoming Event

One of it’s largest events is coming up in September. On September 15, 2012 the Valencia Foundation will host “A Taste for Learning” at Rosen Shingle Creek . Vintners from around the world will donate and pour their finest wines, thanks to ABC Fine Wine & Spirits. Hundreds of wines will be available and tons of items up for bid. Every single dollar donated for sponsorships, tickets and auction receipts will go directly to scholarships. The  first five events raised $1.97 million for student scholarships.

How can you help?

• Share the Valencia Foundation story with the community
• Get tickets or donate an item for auction for “A Taste for Learning”
• Get a ticket for win the “Blogging for Good” Valencia Foundation Basket for a $10 donation Get a ticket for this basket now.

Basket includes:

• Valencia Foundation Cooler
• Ogio Spectrum Backpack
• Skullcandy Ear Buds w/ mic
• RockBoom Keychain Speakers
• Logitech Wireless Mouse
• Journal with art by Joshua Davis
• 4GB Valencia USB Drive
• Bamboo Brain Teaser Puzzle
• Valencia Aluminum Sport Water Bottle
• Valencia Lanyard
• BookSling
• Stress Relieving Candle
• Supplies: Highlights, Mechanical Pencils.Sharpies, Pens, Paper Clips, Binder Clips, Index Cards, Markers & More!
• Get a ticket for this basket now.

Valencia Foundation website: http://www.valencia.org/
Valencia Foundation Twitter: https://twitter.com/valenciagiving
Valencia Foundation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyValenciaFoundation
Blogging for Good: http://www.cflbloggingforgood.com/