Life

And the nominees are ...

By Bill Moss, Published: February 20, 2014

The Speak Out for Kids campaign has announced the five finalists for its $10,000 Promise Competition for the best idea to help children succeed.

The non-profits and churches submitted their "Big Ideas" along with a short YouTube video pitch. Ideas that made the finals were "Feed the Need" community garden for children and adults with autism, by the St. Gerard House, the business enterprise program run by the Boys and Girls Club, the "Balanced Weigh," an educational program for parents of children at risk of obesity; a sensory motor room, also by the St. Gerard House; and a Partners in Reading program by Smart Start.

Also proposed were an exercise program for youth at Grace Lutheran Church and a playground and tutoring center at Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church.
The five finalists will make a final live pitch on March 1 at Speak Out 2014, a Children & Family Resource Center event to focus on the needs of youth in the county. A live vote by text voting and review board comments will determine the Promise Competition winner.
Based on highly regarded research from the National Academy of Science's report on Community Programs to Promote Youth Development among others, the Promise Competition is based on delivery of at least four of five important promises to children. The promises are: Be a Caring Adult, Provide Safe Places, Provide A Healthy Start, Deliver an Effective Education, and Provide Opportunities to Serve. Research shows that children who receive four of the five promises are significantly more likely to achieve academic success, avoid violence and become involved in their communities.
The Promise Competition Review Board is made up of Nicola Barksdale, VP, First Citizens Bank; John Edwards, Ed.D, retired schools superintendent and former SCORE adviser; Gary Heisey, director of the Small Business Center at Blue Ridge Community College; Dr. David LaMond, Medical Director and CEO for Blue Sky MD/LaMond Family Medicine and an Inc. Magazine 5000 business; and Bart Salvaggio, business owner and CFRC Board member.

Here are the links to the Promise Competition video pitches.
Ageless Grace - http://youtu.be/jBsFmtNNLCg
Boys & Girls Club - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-x1mhJpLTM&feature=youtu.be
Balanced Weigh - http://youtu.be/IUqiWy2EwYc
Feed the Need - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jgh4dZvse9M
Sensory Motor Room - http://youtu.be/533hrMxPQqs
Mt Pisgah Church - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqKBGz2diOg
Smart Start - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDu6wJqpEWc.