NovatoSpirit Leaps Into the New Year

NovatoSpirit took a leap forward this week at the Heart of Marin Awards, where we were nominated for “Achievement in Nonprofit Excellence.” The event was held at the spacious Marin County Civic Center Exhibit Hall and more than 850 guests attended.

We’re grateful for the presence of some special guests assembled at our table: Novato Interim City Manager Cathy Capriola, Novato Police Captain Matt McCaffrey, Novato Communications Coordinator Peggy Flynn, NovatoSpirit Board Member Suzanne Daggert, NovatoSpirit supporter Mary Ilyin, NovatoSpirit volunteer Don Schinske, NovatoSpirit karate student Maritza Luna-Sanchez, and NovatoSpirit Karate Master Mr. Robert Ito with karate instructor Ronda Gotti.

NovatoSpirit did not win the award, but we were honored by the event emcee and the Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership of Marin, which produced this event highlighting the county’s nonprofit work, volunteerism and philanthropy.

As you know, NovatoSpirit’s mission is to boost the physical and mental health of Novato’s low-income children through exercise.

Some kids apply to NovatoSpirit simply because they want to move around and have fun. But most are referred to us for more serious reasons. Doctors, mental-health specialists, social workers, and court-appointed special advocates refer children who are struggling with asthma, obesity, anxiety, depression, PTSD and homelessness.

We keep each child active for 5 years in the sport of his or her choice, and during this time, our children learn how to move through their difficulties.

They learn that they can be asthmatic and excel at tae kwon do. They can be homeless and win gold medals at karate. And they learn that depression will not prevent them from rising above the dance floor.

They proceed with difficulty, but they proceed nevertheless. They see they’re not ensnared by their so-called abnormalities. And, perhaps, they begin to cease glorifying what society calls “normal,” focusing instead on embracing what they can do with who they authentically are.

I want to thank all who have made these experiences possible for our kids. Last year, 2015, marked NovatoSpirit’s 10th anniversary. We hope to continue serving Novato’s low-income children, helping them see the value of perseverance against all odds.

Now we’re looking forward to our February Fundraiser, when we’re encouraging folks to “Be a Valentine” and raise or donate funds to benefit low-income children through NovatoSpirit. Please consider helping NovatoSpirit reach our $20,000 fundraising goal to benefit our kids.

Wishing the Novato community a Happy New Year!