Time is of the essence… below is for those of you want to read more to know which basket we put our AKA chips in and WHY! If you want to save yourself the time from reading, please Donate to our cause by going to this link. Every dollar helps support Kids and School Sports & Physical Education. Thank you, CS

Today is Give to the Max Day (November 14)! My typical approach is to tell you all that there are so many incredible causes out there and you should all consider giving to anybody but us (AKA). Ok, maybe to us. Well humble no further, it is time and you should all give to us… Donate to AKASPORT!

There it is… I pushed the envelop and absolutely, we want your help!

In all seriousness, you (we) should really consider giving. The world is filled with seemingly insurmountable pains and incredible causes and charities that all need our help.
(See GoFundMe.com’s quality list to consider on a worldly level.)

On a more local (Minnesota) level, I believe what Deb and company are doing at Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners for the Homeless and what Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge continue to provide for those in need, really stand out.

Now here comes the “Why AKA”. I’m a visionary. I’m looking to the next 50 years as much as I am the next 5 days. I’m looking at the kids, the education, the environment, the peace and the health of our future. So when I support, full-heartedly, those who are providing for today’s pains, I am just as much seeking to take care of what is in store for today’s kids.

I have committed a lot of my time recently in working with our public school partners. In meeting with Teachers and Administration Directors, I have come to the conclusion that public education (education in general) needs our help. As a sports programmer and active lifestyle visionary, I naturally lean to physical education.

In our north Twin Cities school district partners (AKASPORT operates in 4 outstanding MN School Districts), the growth of students and class sizes means for a tighter strain on facility resources and curriculum. To this point, Physical Education Classes and energy release/exercise opportunities are seemingly taking a back seat.

At Jenny Lind Elementary in North Minneapolis, where their student population is 96% of free and reduced lunch, the budget is tight!! Students rely on funded meals and school aide in every direction. Needless to say, the physical education budget is definitely tight and getting adequate equipment can be a stretch.

Kids are smart. Kids pick up on these things. They are aware of their environment and the resources and programming committed to them for their hopefully positive experience and upbringing. There is a greater sense of pride and confidence in kids when they see that their school and the surrounding community are investing in them. And when they don’t feel this….. the entire culture takes a hit.

Today, on Give to the Max Day, I am asking for your help to support the AKA Physical Education Support Charity. This is our latest approach to fundraise and support the kids, the teachers and the overall culture of public education.

Our Goal is to raise $2,500 this year, to reach Phase 1 (of 3) of the AKA Physical Education Support Charity (see Phases below). That’s about par for AKASPORT’s Give to the Max Day and yes, though meager in legitimate fundraising terms, this amount goes a long way. (I’ll say it again and again, if anyone wants to help AKASPORT make an even greater impact, you know how to reach me. (chris@aksport.org or 651-447-2454)).

Phase 1 of the first $2,500.

• $1,650 to the Phy. Ed. Department for Equipment of a AKA partner school

• $500 to the AKA Staff Coaches to support After School Programming

• $350 to Administrative Costs and Supplies

Phase 1 is for our pilot program to support a local AKA partner school and their Physical Education Department. 66% of that, or $1,650, goes by way of a check to this school’s Phy. Ed. for new sports equipment. 44% goes to AKA Staff and Administration costs to support that school and their physical fitness initiatives during and especially in the after school hours.

Phase 2 is the follow up plan, meaning, no we are not going away. We want to invest in this school further. This is the next $2,500 and 66% of that goes to cover AKA Staff - Coaches and “You Can” Mentors, 20% goes to the school’s Community Ed. or After School Program Expenses and 14% (or whatever is remaining) goes back to AKASPORT admin so we can see this through and continue on with the vision.

Phase 3 is to bring this to scale.
If this Pilot works for 1 school, let’s really get it to many many more!

Major credit goes to Community Education Directors and Aides. As class sizes are growing and budgets continue to get cut, it is important to recognize the work that Community Education puts in to provide enrichment program opportunities for students before and after school. We need to help in keeping that going.

Jenny Lind’s Community Education Director, Jena McDermott speaks about the value of having more active programming, much of which AKASPORT currently provides for their students at no cost. “It is clear to me that getting kids active during and after school makes a positive impact and ultimately kids do better and class and have more respect for what the school is doing. AKASPORT is awesome and helps engage our students in different sports with positive teachers and role models”.

As we continue to expand our reach out to schools and to students in the Twin Cities’ inner city schools as well as the northern suburbs, we know we are making an impact but we need more resources to pass along to public education and community education programming. We need to look out for our future.

Sports are our hook and we at AKASPORT are working hard to make greater the opportunities for kids and families. Help us today by donating. Thanks everyone, Chris