“Day After Tomorrow” Gives Back
Fuelled by the discussions held during the Centre on Philanthrophy’s 2011 Third Sector Conference, the Board of Tomorrow’s Voices actively pursued getting young people involved with the decision-making and fundraising of the charity. By April 2011 the advisory group, called “Day After Tomorrow” [DAT], made up of young professional twenty somethings, was born.
Jenna Viera stated that, “Collectively each of us wanted to give back to Tomorrows Voices in some way and two of us have an immediate family member with a developmental disability, one with autism.
“We realize that as a whole there are not many organizations here in Bermuda that can offer daily treatment and support to those with mild to severe developmental disabilities. Specifically assisting with Autism, a centre such as Tomorrows Voices should be supported.”
Dr. Kimberly Mills, Executive Director of Tomorrow’s Voices, welcomed the involvement of the young professionals in dedicating their time and resources towards Tomorrow’s Voices. She noted that “in these challenging times it was pleasing to see young people giving back in a positive and sustained way.”
One of the first events the group organised was a party catering to their age group which helped to raise funds for Tomorrow’s Voices. Through the generosity of the Victoria Grill/Rumbar and local DJs – De General, YGS and DJ Aztec – the young professionals made up of Alexandra Lindo, Julia Gibson, Barnaby West, Laura Trott, Robert Trott, and Jenna Viera, were able to hold a fun event while educating their peers about Autism. They successfully raised $1,000 with all proceeds benefitting Tomorrows Voices.
New Chairwoman of Tomorrow’s Voices, Ms. Thea Furbert, stated that “Since its inception the DAT group continues to influence our charity. They not only give of their time and knowledge, but they also give of their own funds.
“They have provided the Board of Tomorrow’s Voices with ideas, volunteer hours, donations, and other types of support which contributes to remaining a sustainable organisation. We look forward to many more years of partnering with them.”
The DATs are planning another fundraiser in April. Anyone interested in further information about Tomorrow’s Voices or the DATs should contact Dr. Kimberly Mills at 297-4342 or email tomorrowsvoices@northrock.bm.
