Today was probably the most exciting and adventurous day of Main Street Philanthropy- our class had the opportunity to visit the organizations we chose to donate to.*
*Usually, when we arrived at the place or organization, the organization representatives would introduce themselves and what they do, then we’d take a tour, and finally present the BIG check. (I mean a gigantic check, like the ones used for Publisher’s Clearing House.)
First off, we stopped by the Quantum House (my group, Healing HeARTs). They generously provided us breakfast and we were quickly on our way for a tour around the House. During the tour, our class even got a chance to see an empty room. From what that room looked like, it looks a lot like a hotel room (The Breakers donated some main supplies for the rooms). The class also heard a story from one of the families that was staying at the Quantum House. Haley explained a little about our team and we presented the check ($1017.16) to the Quantum House before we were off again to our next place…
Team OVO (Michael, Ward, and George) chose Palm Beach Troop Support, but instead of stopping at their headquarters, we stopped by Lake Park to a Vietnam Veteran’s house that they were rebuilding for him. We learned a little about what they do, and toured two of the buildings on the property. It’s awesome what the organization is doing for veterans to help them after what they’ve done to serve our country. After Team OVO presented the check, onto organization #3, Scripps.
The Scripps Research Institute was chosen by Team Cure for Life (Fred, Charlotte, and Vincent). I’ve always wanted to visit Scripps since I’ve heard so much about the Florida location opening in 2009. Their facilities= WOW. Very impressive. Not only does Scripps do research on-site, but they also do internships and it’s a graduate research school. So they’re also preparing the scientists of the future while researching today. We toured a little of the chemistry building, and then Team Cure for Life presented them with the check. Off again to the next organization, Palm Beach County Food Bank.
Team Hungry to Help (Alexandra, Tova, Connor, Sam, and David) chose the county’s food bank, Palm Beach County Food Bank in Lantana. The class saw a short video the organization made to spread the word about hunger, and then we were taken on a tour. We started in the administrative wing, and then went through the fridge and freezer (chilly!). The fridge had many bags of potatoes (it’s harvesting season) and a wide variety of foods.Before and after the tour, I had noticed how much distributing was going on around us. Trucks and vans were completely full of perishable goods that were going to be distributed at churches and smaller organizations. I do have to applaude on the hunger team for donating the largest amount, almost $2,000!
Four down, one to go…
Our last stop was Peggy Adams Rescue League, which is right across from Oxbridge! It was chosen by Team Cause for Paws (Nick, Tahira, and Evan). As soon as we walked into the doors, we saw numerous kittens by the window! 
Sooo cute! Then, onto the tour. We started with the cats, to the large dogs, and then to the small dogs. I noticed from the papers they had on the dog cages that some had been staying for almost six months, while others have for a few weeks, but fortunately Peggy Adams is a no-kill shelter. At the end, we received some goodie bags, which was really sweet of them to do. Then Team Cause for Paws presented the check and we arrived back at school.
Overall, an extremely productive day.
In conclusion, I think all five teams chose the perfect non-profit organizations to donate to- they are all great at what they do.
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