R.J. Leonard Foundation Raises $2000 To Benefit BucksMont Foster Care Youth

The R.J. Leonard Foundation provides education scholarships, transportation support, and social and cultural enrichment opportunities to youth in foster care in Bucks and Montgomery counties. The foundation’s “Fellows” are usually between the ages of 16 and 21, a time when most young adults are preparing for college and professional life. Unfortunately, children in the foster care system “age out” at 18, often leaving them with little to no support – either financial or familial – as they navigate the adult world. The R.J. Leonard Foundation is committed to providing them with mentors who guide them out of the cycle of poverty and into a rewarding, happy, self-sufficient future.

Caitlin Deppeler, a therapist at Valley Youth House and member of the RJLF board, worked with Matt Caffrey to host a Celebrity Bartending event on the evening of June 9th at The Other Side in Doylestown. Thanks must to go Matt for his generosity in donating 20% of their sales during the event to the RJLF. In addition, two raffles were held – one for a 10-day stay in an art deco apartment in Javea, Spain, and another for a 50/50 raffle. The Bucks County D.A.’s office drew a big crowd, and the member who won the 50/50 raffle generously donated his winnings back to the R.J. Leonard Foundation. “He didn’t want to be named,” said Jo Leonard, ED of the RJLF, “but we know who you are, and we think you’re all fantastic!”

One attendee, Cynthia, disclosed that she did not previously know about the problems involved with aging out of the foster care system, and this event brought her attention to this “really sad” issue.

Another attendee, Delana, is a part of 100 Women Who Care of Bucks County, an organization that chooses local nonprofits to donate to. Last year, RJLF was chosen as one of the recipients. “We must do a much better job of making our community aware of this forgotten demographic of youth. Just because they had a rocky start in life, doesn’t mean their whole lives need to be a disaster,” she stated at the event.”

The proceeds from the event ended up totaling four times the original goal. We had targeted $500 and ended up with more than $2000! “For a small organization like ours, said John Ortolf, board member, that will go a very long way in helping our Fellows get and stay on their feet.”

The Celebrity Bartending event raised awareness and concern for the approximately 100 youth in Bucks and Montgomery counties who are aging out of the foster care system, a number that comes as a surprise to many people. This summer, we would like to encourage 100 people to donate $15 per month to join our Friends Launching Futures Campaign. If you would like to donate, please go to http://www.rjleonardfoundation.org/donate.