Project Light Receives $225,000 Grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation

Project Light Of Manatee Inc. is thrilled to announce the reception of a generous grant of $225,000 from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation. This grant will significantly bolster Project Light's efforts to enhance its educational programs and improve its overall infrastructure to better serve its students and instructors.

The grant will be utilized to achieve several key objectives that align with Project Light's mission:

1. Stipends for Qualified Instructors: The grant will facilitate the provision of stipends to highly qualified instructors, enabling them to dedicate their expertise and time to the educational development of Project Light's students. This support will foster a conducive environment for effective learning and growth.

1. Technology Upgrades and Replacements: The funds will also be directed toward updating and replacing outdated technology resources used in Project Light's educational programs. This investment in modern tools will empower both instructors and students to engage in innovative and effective learning experiences.

1. Part-Time Administrative Support Position: The grant will allow Project Light to establish a part-time administrative support position. This role will streamline the organization's operations, ensuring smoother coordination among various activities and enabling a more efficient delivery of services.

1. Continued Comprehensive Support for Students: With this grant, Project Light will further expand its commitment to providing holistic support to its students. From educational resources to personal development assistance, the organization will continue to empower its students in every possible way.

"We are immensely grateful to the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation for their generous support," said Cheryl Evans, Board President of Project Light. "This grant will significantly amplify our ability to make a lasting impact on the lives of our students and instructors. The Foundation's dedication to philanthropy resonates deeply with our mission, and we are excited to collaborate to create positive change in the community."

As the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation states, "The Charles and Margery Barancik family has long believed in the power of philanthropy to shape our world and enrich the lives of all people. It was the expression of this belief that led them in 2014 to establish Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation—a private, family foundation located in Sarasota, Florida. Barancik Foundation creates initiatives and awards grants in Sarasota and beyond in the areas of education, humanitarian causes, arts and culture, the environment, and medical research. For more information, visit barancikfoundation.org."

This collaboration between Project Light and the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation exemplifies the potential of strategic partnerships in driving positive change and fostering educational equity.

PL Students Receive over 1,000 books for home library!

Jomi Cestero from the School District of Manatee County dropped off hundreds of books for our students!!

Introducing New Project Light Board President, Cheryl Evans

Cheryl has been with Project Light Of Manatee since 2019, she started out as the Board Vice President and has recently taken on the role of Board President.

As a former teacher, early childhood development expert, and eager philanthropist, Mrs. Evans is the ideal candidate to drive our mission forward.

When her good friend and Project Light Board Secretary, Pamela Steen introduced Cheryl to Project Light it was an instant click and we started the onboarding process for a new Vice President. Cheryl quickly fit into her role and started implementing fundraising projects in order to be able to continue our vision of bridging the literacy gap amongst adults in our community.

During the pandemic Cheryl pioneered Project Lights' first online fundraiser, this was no easy task as the fear of the Corona Virus was a big impediment for any educational institution. With the help and support of the board, Mrs. Evans was able to collect donations from local businesses that were then auctioned online. All the proceeds went to supporting our school and its students.

In December 2021 Project Light was presented with the opportunity to host our first in-person fundraiser at a prominent art gallery in Sarasota, FL. Cheryl took the reins and organized the event "Bubbles, Beats & Bites" which became an annual fundraiser and we held our successful second event the following year in December 2022.

From Vice President to event planner, volunteer teacher, and now Board President, Cheryl Evans has worn many hats for Project Light and she continues to militate for new projects that will improve our student's learning experience and benefit our community.