How Our 2024 Giving Challenge Donors Transformed Young Lives
- Francis Garcia
- Sep 30
- 2 min read
In 2024, the Boxser Diversity Initiative (BDI) set out to empower young people across Sarasota and Manatee Counties through programs that celebrate diversity, mentorship, and leadership. Thanks to the generosity of our donors during the 2024 Giving Challenge, we raised more than $21,000, allowing us to continue programs that inspire, educate, and connect young leaders.
One shining example of this impact is Bending the Arc (BTA). Twenty high school students participated in this six-month immersive program exploring Civil Rights history and social justice. They didn’t just study history—they walked in the footsteps of heroes, engaged with Pulitzer Prize-winning authors and renowned historians, and completed student-led projects reflecting their transformative experiences. Your support made this program completely free for participants, removing financial barriers and allowing every student to discover their potential as changemakers.
The students’ experiences were life-changing. Anicie Joseph, a Venice High School student in BTA's inaugural 2024-25 cohort, shared:
What this experience has done for me is indescribable. I thought it would just be another history lesson, but it was so much more. Standing in Alabama, seeing the paths, the trees, the flags—even the birds—I felt history all around me. This trip didn’t just teach me about history; it taught me about myself and my place in the world. Now, I carry this with me not as a memory, but as a responsibility. You don’t have to have it all figured out to make a difference. You just have to care enough to try.
Your support in 2024 didn’t stop there. Across Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok, our campaign reached more than 11,000 people, with almost 700 people engaging directly. We produced more than a dozen videos showcasing student stories, creativity, and impact, which earned BDI the “Best Use of Social Media” award. Community leaders from across Sarasota also joined the campaign, amplifying our message and highlighting the importance of investing in youth programs that foster inclusion and equity.
Thanks to donors like you, BTA students built lasting friendships across diverse schools, developed leadership and confidence, and discovered tools to connect historical lessons to contemporary action. The 2024 Giving Challenge wasn’t just about raising funds—it was about transforming lives and shaping the next generation of changemakers.
As we approach the 2026 Giving Challenge, your continued support is more important than ever. Every donation helps us expand programs, reach more young people, and continue amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities. Together, we can ensure that creativity, mentorship, and inclusion remain at the heart of Sarasota County.
Join us again in spring 2026 to make a difference. Your gift is an investment in the leaders, artists, and changemakers of tomorrow.
