My Nonprofit Reviews
Comet Fan
Review for Lady Comets, Vero Beach, FL, USA
This organization came to my attention by the founder Dr. Bennie Shaw. Dr. Shaw's vision is to help at risk youths gain a college education through mentoring and athletics. Dr. Shaw is a Vice Principle at the Sebastion Middle School in Indian River County. He attended UCF and was recently inducted into the UCF Hall of Fame by his talents on the basketball court plus he was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Lady Comets have expanded from a single girls baskeball team in 2005 to a seven team boys and girls competative travel team. The pinnacle for the organization was when the 7th grade Lady Comets competed in North carolina and won the National USSSA Baskeball Championship.
All this effort requires money to rent the gyms, equipment and uniforms. Most of these children are from broken homes, have no help with school work and have never left Indian River County. Leaders of Indian River County have recognized Dr. Shaws efforts and have been contribitors to this youth building organization. So far todate this exposure has helped 7 individuals obtain partial or full college scholarships.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The most rewarding experiences I have had was taking these kids to a baskeball tournament for a 3 day weekend in Fort Lauderdale. I soon found out some kids had never been to a restaurant that had a waitress (Denny's) or stayed in a hotel. Also taking them to Walmart to buy a Mothers Day card and a small gift. They had never done this before and could not understand why they had to sign the card. "But coach I'm giving her the card, she knows its from me, Why do I have to write my name in it?"
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would recruit more people to give their time to helping these kids. They look up to me for direction and want assurance they are all right. Money always helps to rent gymnasiums that provides a sfe place for these kids to hang out and have fun.
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
How did you learn about this organization?
I learned of this organization from coaching recreational basketball within the Indian River County Recreation department in Vero Beach. I was approached by the founder Dr. Bennie Shaw and asked if I could help him.
What is this organization's top short-term priority?
To raise funds to rent the gymnasiums to ensure the youth have a place to hang out safely and do their homework.
What is its top priority in the long run?
The 5 year goal is to have our own facility.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
