Linden High School alum Aaron Judge, a current New York Yankee, former Fresno State Bulldog, and founder of the Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation recently announced three February 2024 ALL RISE Mini-Grant recipients, each receiving $2,500. These organizations connect with the ALL RISE mission to inspire children and youth to become responsible citizens and reach unlimited possibilities.
Camp Caterpillar, Hospice of San Joaquin, San Joaquin County, California is a grief program specifically designed to provide mental health services for children who have experienced the loss of someone in their life. Held twice a year in San Joaquin County, Camp Caterpillar is free for all attendees. By participating, children can learn to enjoy their lives instead of struggling with grief as they would have without this program. The camp’s name serves as a reminder that even amidst grief, there is potential for growth and transformation, much like a caterpillar’s journey toward becoming a butterfly. The ALL RISE Mini-Grant will provide more children the opportunity to attend the camp and experience the many social-emotional activities planned.
Bronx House, Bronx County, New York is the first and longest-running community center in the Bronx, established in 1911. The ALL RISE Mini-Grant will support the Bronx House Vacation Camp, which provides families with a safe and fun place for their children during the Spring Recess. Vacation Camp alternates between recreational and social-emotional learning opportunities with trips to cultural institutions (i.e. Metropolitan Museum of Art) and fun activities. Children will enjoy the pool and gym and playing games that promote teamwork and respect while engaging in healthy physical activity. They will also participate in a one-day community service project and explore New York City.
Improvaneer Summer Camp, Down Syndrome Association of Central California, Fresno County, California provides programs that support, educate, and social opportunities for the whole family, individuals with Down syndrome, and the community that serves and supports them. Funds from the ALL RISE Mini-Grant will be used to host two sessions of Improvaneer Summer Camp for Fresno/Clovis area youth who have a developmental disability. The Improvaneer Method is a national program created for individuals with developmental disabilities to build social and functional skills through improv games. Skills include voice projection; eye contact; quick thinking; creative thinking; listening; teamwork; problem solving; adaption to change; focus; attention to detail; and character development.
“Each of these recipients provide programs that align with the ALL RISE mission – addressing leadership and citizenship development, health and well-being, and community involvement for youth,” said Judge. “I am proud to support them as they improve the lives of our youth by engaging with them during important stages of their lives. Continued education, support programs and outdoor activities will have lifelong, memorable benefits for the children served by each of these organizations.”
All funds donated for the Aaron Judge ALL RISE Mini-Grant Program go directly to children and youth programs in San Joaquin County, California; Fresno County, California; and Bronx County, New York, that support ongoing citizenship and education development.
The Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation focuses on developing positive character traits; provides awards and incentive programs for schools and local organizations to encourage and reward academic improvement and excellence; supports children and youth experiencing difficult health and family circumstances; and fundraising events to support ALL RISE Mini-Grants and Programs. For more information on the Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation visit: aaronjudgeALLRISEfoundation.org.
