Viewing the Cole Building from across the courtyard near the dining hall. The Governor Morehead School courtyard has lots of open grass, benches and tall pecan trees

June 2022 Newsletter – The Charger Advocate

News

Photo of Francisco ChavezFrom the desk of our Board President, Francisco Chavez:

Although Spring and Summer bring many the opportunity to relax, travel, and take life at a slower pace, the Governor Morehead Foundation is busy at work meeting the needs of the students. The school doesn’t take a break in the summer, and neither do we!

Since the beginning of the year, the foundation has donated over $20K to support the students and the school.  We have some big projects under way, and progress doesn’t come easy.  And while we have several fundraising opportunities planned, we rely heavily on ongoing assistance too.  Are you interested in becoming a board member?  Are you willing to support our mission and reach out to contacts and donors?  Are you ‘in the know’ about specific community grants?  We could use your help!  Consider serving on our board, help us replenish our funds, spread the word about upcoming events, follow us on social media…we invite you to engage with the Governor Morehead Foundation today!

 

Foundation Aid

The first half of 2022 has been busy!  The Governor Morehead Foundation has furnished the school with funding in excess of $20,000.  And while the pandemic continues to provide new challenges, we are thankful for being able to support a number of worthwhile projects, including:

  • The Model United Nations Conference at UNC-Chapel Hill
  • Student/Family Support through the school social worker
  • Musical instrument repairs
  • Summer programming
  • A BIG donation towards the brand new sensory playground!

We look forward to keeping the support going into the fall, and we continue to look to our generous donors for help by making donations, spreading the word about us, and/or attending one of our fall fundraisers.  Every little bit makes a difference!

 

Faculty/Staff Member Spotlight

Mr. Brian Duffy has been with the Governor Morehead School since the fall of 2016.  He is a case manager and teaches social studies courses at the school.  One of his passions is leading a student team at the Model United Nations Conference, which was held this year at UNC-Chapel Hill.  He explains that “The Model UN is a student-run global policy summit and simulation in which elite students from several states come to compete. The students at this event go on to attend the finest universities in the country.”   Mr. Duffy says the GMS team has become progressively stronger and more competitive over the six years they’ve been participating in the conference, with this year’s team being the best yet.  GMS is incredibly lucky to have a teacher who is so dedicated to advocating for his students and mentoring them through this challenging program over the years!

 

Summer Programs are Here!

Summer programming is in full swing!  While the students continue practicing their Orientation and Mobility skills at the school, summer gives them the perfect opportunity to try them out in unique settings too.  GMS students have visited a bowling alley and an accessible park, but they’ve also gotten to experience some real adventure by climbing at a high ropes course and splishing and splashing at a water park!  What fun! 

 

 

Fundraising Corner

At some point, you’ve probably seen a “Spirit Night” fundraiser being carried out at a local restaurant to help raise funds for some organization or school group.  GMF is getting in on the action!  Our first such night was at a Chick-fil-a in Raleigh; the funds raised were small, but the awareness of the school was raised a great deal!  
Our next “Spirit Night” will be held at the Chipotle on Hillsborough Street across from the NCSU main campus on Wednesday, September 7 from 4-8 pm.  A portion of total sales that evening will be given to the Governor Morehead Foundation (customers must inform the cashier that they are there specifically to support the foundation).  If you are in the area, come on out and support us AND enjoy a yummy dinner!  Also, help us spread the word about this FUNdraiser!
On Thursday, November 10, we’ll have a truly delightful evening of food, fun, and fellowship with entertainment provided by students from the Governor Morehead School!   Dinner will be catered by Amedeo’s at the GMS dining hall at 6:30 p.m.  We’ll also offer a silent auction with gifts from local businesses.  Tickets and table sponsorships will be sold in advance, with profits going to the GM Foundation.  More information coming soon!
GMF continues to sell greeting cards featuring art created by students under the guidance of GMS Art Teacher, Lisa Medina.  Cards are available from any member of the GMF board.  Contributions to GMF continue to be made through the N.C. State Employees Combined Campaign and by indicating GMF through Amazon Smile.  And, as always, you may donate through our website.
Members of the Governor Morehead Foundation are always hyped to connect with other non-profits, community organizations, and businesses.  This is especially true when such groups share our mission of helping others!  Are you a part of such a group?  We’d be glad to come and present information about GMS and ways we can collaborate to support the students!  Recently, we’ve made connections with the Raleigh Rotary and Lions Clubs, and we’ll be visiting the Durham Lions Club soon.  We’d love to connect with you!