As I look back at 2018 for Alper’s Champions, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude to each and every person who, whether they had a personal connection to Tom Alper or were moved by the mission of the organization, decided to include Alper’s Champions in their charitable giving for the year. The compassion through donations that was evinced almost immediately upon the launch of our website was overwhelming and reaffirming, and it has positioned us to have adequate funding for our three programs into 2019.
Gratitude to each person who volunteered their time for the Camp of Champions. While the Camp was unfortunately postponed twice due to inclement weather, we are currently looking at make-up dates for this April and will reach out to each of you once the date is set in hopes that you will be able to join us for the annual Camp.
Gratitude to our Board members who have helped lead Alper’s Champions from a nascent idea to carry on Tom’s legacy to a fully-formed 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation with three separate charitable endeavors. In 2018, our Board members led Tommy’s Kicks for Kids as a pilot program in the Elizabeth Forward School District. We learned that while there is a need for footwear, we have work to do in advertising this program to teachers and nurses who may put it to good use. In 2019, we look to broaden the program’s reach so as to distribute more shoes to more children. Our Board also created the selection criteria for the Tom Alper Memorial Scholarship, for which the application is now downloadable on our website. The application period begins on January 1st and ends on March 1st. We look forward to reviewing the submissions and selecting the inaugural recipient in the spring.
I am confident that we will look back at 2018 as a year that set the foundation for great things to come. As I look to 2019 and beyond, I bristle with excitement thinking about the opportunities we will have to make a positive impact in the lives of our communities’ children. I hope you will continue to join us in the endeavor, because without YOU, none of this would be possible. On behalf of Tom’s family and as President of Alper’s Champions, I would like to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart and wish you a happy and prosperous new year!
Sincerely,
Ben Alper (President)