NovatoSpirit Kids Get a Boost from Community

Good-hearted folks have offered special opportunities to NovatoSpirit kids, lifting them into the spotlight.  Our kids danced before a large audience at the Marin Center, walked in Novato’s Fourth of July Parade, were featured in the Novato Advance, and led the Novato City Council in the Pledge of Allegiance, broadcast live on Novato Public Access Television, Channel 27.

Novato Mayor Pat Eklund invited some NovatoSpirit youth to lead the City Council in the Pledge of Allegiance at their meeting July 23 at City Hall.  Our kids (and some of their siblings) solemnly recited the pledge, with their hands over their hearts, facing the leaders of their town and the stars and stripes of the American flag.  This was an exceptionally moving event for these youngsters and their parents, who deeply appreciate the privilege of living in the United States, as we all do.

America’s Independence Day was honored by our youth by participating in Novato’s downtown parade.  With more than 100 entries each year, Novato has one of the biggest parades in the entire Bay Area.  This year, the parade honored “Novato’s Unsung Heroes,” and some of our karate and tae kwon do kids marched proudly amidst the colorful floats.

Earlier in May, NovatoSpirit dance-scholarship students performed in the Love2Dance show at the Marin Center.  Before an audience of hundreds, our girls joined in the lively show of jazz, hip-hop, and other dance styles.  The magnificent mix of choreography, costumes, lighting, and music were presented by the students’ teacher, Tara-Caprice Broadwater, who is no stranger to the stage.  Tara danced with the NBA’s Golden State Warriors’ cheerleading squad, “Warrior Girls.”

Summer highlights included abundant media coverage by Novato Public Access Television, KWMR Radio (90.5 FM in Point Reyes Station), and the Novato Advance newspaper, which has frequently documented our kids’ progress with attentiveness and depth.  Special thanks go to Novato Advance Editor Nicole Baptista. The Marin Independent Journal and the Novato Patch have also been generous with their coverage. The publicity provided by these Marin media helps us to increase public awareness and funding for NovatoSpirit, enabling us to serve more deserving children.

We are grateful to all who have boosted NovatoSpirit’s kids, and have supported our nonprofit’s mission to improve the physical and mental health of Novato’s impoverished youth.  Thank you!