Ribbon Cutting Time!

We did it! On August 10, 2016, the Lake Ridge Rotary Club sponsored our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, hosted by The Prince William County Chamber of Commerce! The entire day was filled with a million emotions. I feared a small turnout, but would have still been completely appreciative of anyone who decided to take time out of their schedule to come down and support our event. We had well over 45 guests to attend our ceremony. Our office was filled with laughter, words of encouragement, delicious food provided by The Blue Arbor Café, Firebirds, and Not Your Average Joes. Honorable Gerald Connolly, Delegate Richard Anderson and Chairman Gerald Wittman sent representatives, Occoquan District Supervisor Mrs. Ruth Anderson, Occoquan Mayor Elizabeth Quist, Occoquan Events and Community Development Director Mrs. Donna Brown, The Lake Ridge and Woodbridge Rotary Club, Prince William County Chamber of Commerce, The Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce, Woodbridge High School JROTC leadership, Omega Psi Phi Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter, Game 7 RIders and King's Knights Motor Club, The Law Offices of Sheyna Nicole Burt, PLC and Stratford University were all in attendance. What's Up Woodbridge even conducted an interview (in front of EVERYONE...SO NERVOUS). This was by far one of the best nights of my life. The Town of Occoquan gave us a warm welcoming! I am more than excited, eager and ready to rebuild and strengthen my community!

Check out the interview conducted by What's Up Woodbridge

Turning a Dream into Reality, pt I

Ever since I have been a little girl, I have dreamed of being active in my community. Years later, as an adult, I still have those dreams but decided to journal about it and share my thoughts with individuals I felt would be interested in these dreams of mine. Well, one day, nothing major about this day, I felt a nudge and had the bright idea that TODAY IS THE DAY I would take actual steps into making this dream a reality. I researched "Starting a Non-Profit Organization in The Commonwealth of Virginia" and took notes. Within minutes I had completed my Articles of Incorporation and dedicated a few hours to compiling every process, related to TGNCK's operations. This document would soon become my Bylaws. Ironically, those key individuals, I had shared my vision with, through the years, all agreed and voted to become my Board of Directors and Executive Officers. This step in the process affected me emotionally because, to me, this meant I wasn't the only person who believed in this vision or this cause. Now I'm really motivated.

The Commonwealth of Virginia recognized us as a non-stock corporation on March 4, 2015. A year later, the IRS awarded us our tax-exempt, 501(c)(3), status on March 15, 2016. If you're wondering why it took one year and 11 days, its because [well] the application fee is $400 and it is at this point ALL of your substantiating documentation must be complete: business plan, proposed budget, mission/vision statement, formation documentation, Bylaws, etc.. Once we received our award letter from the IRS, we submitted our application to receive Charitable Contributions (which comes with a $100 application fee). We needed a mailbox (fee), logo (fee), website (fee), business cards design (fee), business cards (fee), and lets not forget the time it takes to ensure these documents are completed accurately. We all have full-time lives that we are "balancing" to make this organization, amongst other goals, occur. Soon, we will begin writing grant proposals and hosting our own "FUN"draising events. This is quite the learning experience for each member of the Executive Committee; nevertheless, this is a worthy experience we each have committed to.

I truly hope that you are committed to enduring this wonderful journey with us as well. I think it is most rewarding when people can come together, in support of something positive, that helps others. The fellowship, bridges and partnerships built are priceless. Frequent my "Corner" to read about this process and other encounters while turning this dream into reality! I look forward to growing before you and helping others beside you.

*Pictured you have myself and fellow public servants, of religious-based outreach programs, touring the Virginia office of the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB).

Thank you!

Whether Small Steps or Big Leaps... We're in Motion!

T.G.N.C.K. formed March 4, 2015 in The Commonwealth of Virginia. Since then, we have adopted a local homeless shelter, distributed hygiene bags to the homeless, hosted a clothing drive for women and children's, and last but not least applied for tax-exempt recognition solidifying our 501(c)3 status.

Initially, when strategizing and brainstorming, we did not anticipate an entire year having passed by before we submitted the necessary documents to obtain tax-exemption. Despite the time gap, we continued to press forward, advancing our vision and mission within the Northern Virginia area. We have gained amazing contacts within the Prince William County public service community and with the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB).

We look forward to growing before your very eyes as well as having you assist and/or support us in the community. Our website will reflect every community outreach initiative we coordinate. Be sure to visit us frequently and to let your family, peers, and colleagues know about us.

This is just the beginning!

Sincerely,

T.G.N.C.K.