Charidy Fundraising Campaign 2023

Help us raise $120,000 in 36 Hours!

Share the light of friendship to illuminate lives today!

Dear Friends,

At Friendship Circle we believe that every person is valuable, important, and has a unique light to share with the world and people around them. With this concept at our core, Friendship Circle has enriched our community by providing children and teens with disabilities in Richmond with friendship and belonging by pairing them with community Teen Friends where the two share fun and love, building a friendship that deeply enriches both their lives. Furthermore, every Friendship Circle event brings people together in a spirit of friendship and inclusivity. At our events, our Teen friends get to engage in the very same activities as their friends with disabilities.

There is nothing in this world that is more meaningful than helping another to access their inner light, talent, and beauty, and enable them to shine. The friendships that we form between friends with disabilities and their teen friends do just that. These relationships are beautifully symbiotic, with each friend helping the other to discover their inner light, and shine it outwards to the world around them. 

The benefits for the teen friends who volunteer are manifold. Studies show that volunteerism helps teens by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, while bolstering their self esteem and giving them a sense of purpose. In addition, the teen friends learn important social and leadership skills, which provide them with the keys to success as they mature into responsible adults. 

THE NEED FOR FRIENDSHIP IS INCREASING. OUR ORGANIZATION IS GROWING. YOUR SUPPORT IS MORE ESSENTIAL NOW THAN EVER BEFORE. TOGETHER WE WILL RAISE A SIZABLE PORTION OF OUR ANNUAL BUDGET TO KEEP OUR PROGRAMS FREE.

Your Impact

Children with disabilities and their families often have to prioritize where and how they spend their money and time based on medical and therapeutic interventions. Having fun and participating in a monthly exciting new activity is often not at the top of the list. Some deem those activities ‘non-essential,’ however, we have learned that friendship and social experiences for our kids with disabilities, their family members, and our teens may be the most essential thing of all.

Furthermore, every Friendship Circle event brings people together in a spirit of friendship and inclusivity. At our events, the teen friends get to engage in the very same activities as their friends with disabilities. Our activities and programs are always free of charge for all of our members and teens.  

We never charge our parents for these critical services, because we understand that friendship is priceless. Rather, we rely on generous givers like you to help keep our programs completely FREE for kids with disabilities.

With your help, we can continue to ensure that none of our youth with or without disabilities―or their parents―ever feel alone or without a friend to lean on.

Your donation helps keep friendship THRIVING in the heart of Richmond!

Your donation helps our youth SHARE THEIR LIGHT! 

Can our kids and teens count on you?

Will you share your light today?