Community Outreach
As an integral role for the organization, AOBA is dedicated to making a significant difference in our community. Each year, Association members, along with hard-working volunteers on the Associates Coalition Team’s (ACT) Charity and Community Events Committee, focus on several projects to assist local nonprofits. These organizations benefit from AOBA’s generous contributions in terms of volunteer hours, in-kind services and direct funding.
Here's a look at our 2008 successful community outreach programs:
James E. Duckworth School
AOBA successfully completed a fundraising campaign to raise $7,000 to purchase a "Tango" communication device for the James E. Duckworth School in Prince George's County.
Offering unique services to students with disabilities who live in DC and Prince George's County, Duckworth's award-winning instructional program helps students achieve their personal best and attain maximum independence. Since resources for the school are limited and the need is great, over the past decade, AOBA members have raised over $100,000. Pictured: AOBA member volunteers at the annual Special Olympics Challenge Day in May.
Scholarship Program
In conjunction with Prince George's County Community College, AOBA sponsors an annual Scholarship Program for students in Prince George's County. Scholarship recipients for 2008 were selected in July; the presentation ceremony was held in October. Graduates of Prince George's County high schools may receive up to $6,000 in paid tuition to Prince George's Community College over a two-year period.
Since its inception in 1996, the AOBA Scholarship program has provided financial, mentoring and internship support to 87 Prince George’s County students. Most of these students have successfully completed two years of study at PGCC, and many AOBA Scholars are currently employed by AOBA member firms. (Pictured: 2008 student scholars pose with U.S. Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD)-far left, David Hillman-2nd from left, and Lesa Hoover- 2nd from right.)
DC School Supplies
Students in Washington, DC’s Wards 2 and 6 can focus on learning for the 2008-09 year, equipped with new backpacks and calculators contributed by AOBA members.
In Ward 2, AOBA responded to a request through Councilmember Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) to assist 20 students in need of backpacks during the first week of school. AOBA presented 20 backpacks to ANC Commissioner Barbara Curtis, who received the backpacks on behalf of 20 young residents of the Gibson Plaza Apartments located in the Shaw area of Ward 2. Across the city, in Ward 6, AOBA members contributed over $6000 to purchase 60 graphic calculators for seventh graders at Eliot/Hine Middle School. AOBA delivered the calculators to the school’s principal at a special presentation with Councilmember Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6). Pictured: AOBA staff and President Mary Lynch (2nd from left) pose with DC school officials.
