Testimonials

Aloe Music Camp Experience

“Thank you Mr Glasser! I love music camp! We play drums, piano, keyboard, guitar, and make beats. I love the drums. We do this thing where if we hit the drums one time, that’s called Grape! We use our fingertips to make the sound Wa-Ter-Mel-On (four taps) and you also get to do this thing called mango. Man-go! We take turns going ‘one two, one two, Rest. man-go man-go. Rest. And Pineapple! Coconut! It’s fun. Love, Aloe”

Ernesto's a.k.a "Chico" Experience

Parent Quote: Hi Mike we both are feeling grateful and amazed Just picked this little man up from the bus back from Shaffer’s High Sierra. He looked like he had really lived in the bush lol for weeks. Really a dream come true!! Swam in a lake up there that was warm because it was volcanic or something like that!? Rock climbing with “the buttes” in the background! Story after story of all the amazing adventures THANK you ALL for this life changer!!!!!

Friend Quote: Hey Michael, Thank you so much for making this happen for Chico. His mom sent me these pics today along with this text.

“This experience gave us both a much needed connection to rest and the bigger world a fresh big deep breath Thank you!!!!

So wonderful what you are doing for these kids

Aidan's Baseball Experience in the Dominan Republic

I have been so overwhelmed with gratitude and appreciation since this whole trip began but especially since Aidan’s return. It’s hard to explain what he was like when he hopped into my car after the long flight home. He wasn’t “different” exactly but the most “him” I have ever seen. I know that must sound strange but it was like sitting with Aidan x’s 10. The most alert, most awake, most happy I have seen him in a long time. So completely in his body and spilling over with excitement to tell me how impacted he was with this experience. Just a few of the things he said that made my heart soar…”I realized that I needed to leave my phone behind every day so that I didn’t miss anything. I saw everything and the DR is amazing.” “ The big city areas and the hotels were not my favorite part. The little villages were my favorite. They have absolutely nothing and they are the happiest people you will ever meet.” Listening to him talk to the kids and teens from the DR in his room on WhatsApp is everything. They don’t understand each others language but they are like family now.

Aidan got to bring food and supplies to Pedro’s hometown and he was overwhelmed with an older man that he met. The man had nothing and lived in a crooked shed but was still caring for his blind sister and he was all smiles meeting Aidan. He hugged Aidan after Aidan gave him food and said the man would not let him go from his embrace. He gave Aidan a cross made out of wood and my son is wearing it still. Honestly the whole trip was eye opening and changed my son’s heart forever.

Pedro really loved Aidan as well and has extended an invitation for Aidan to return to the DR to play baseball at his academy for the rest of the Summer. He too saw something in Aidan that I was hoping for. It is an incredible opportunity for Aidan and so friends and family are rallying to pay for him to go back. Pedro just told us to send him on a plane and Aidan is welcome for as long as he wants. Without your help getting him there last week he would have never had this opportunity. I will forever be grateful to you for trusting in us. Pedro is convinced that after a month Aidan will be speaking fluent Spanish and pitching 92 mph. Hahaha. I think after a month at his academy being of service and working hard playing ball he will be changed forever.

I will never be able to thank you enough. I promise we will pay it forward. I also promise we will send you video and testimonials for anything and everything you need. I will let Aidan tell you himself.

-Elizabeth , Parent of Sponsorship Recipient

Mia's Ballet Journey at Marin Dance Theater

Parent: “I just wanted to send you a quick email. Your Mia, from your Championship Network, went up to our Mia and introduced herself! Our Mia came home so happy they connected and chatted. Your daughter offered her help and advice to our Mia.

It was cool because Mia remembers your daughter from when she was little!

I just wanted to say thank you! It sounded like a lovely exchange. Having support from an older dancer is really inspiring for our daughter. She looks up to the older dancers so much!”

Award Testimonial

“This is amazing news!! Thank you so much! I just told Mia she got the sponsorship and she said “A private with Ms. Cox!! I always wanted to be able to do that!” She is over the moon at the new possibilities and so are we. Everything listed that she will be able to do is an incredible opportunity for Mia!

Thank you for taking the time to review Mia’s application and approving her. We are beyond grateful and appreciative of your organization and the funding.

Mia’s commitment and love of ballet and MDT is real. Ballet serves her in her young life in so many different ways. It has been beautiful for us as her family to watch her follow her passion for ballet and performing.”

Sponsorship Host. “All of us at Marin Dance Theatre thank you and your foundation so much for the investment you’re making in young athletes in Marin County. I am confident that Mia will use your generosity in such meaningful ways. Your willingness to support her will help her reach her potential and contribute to the path of her future.

On behalf of the Marin Dance Theater community we are grateful for you and your organization!”

~Lynn Cox, Artistic Director

Isidro's Baseball Experience @ the Dominican Republic

Parent. Thank you so much for this incredible opportunity for Isidro! We’re thrilled to be part of YES and deeply appreciate your support in making this once in a lifetime experience happen for my son!

-Isidro, Parent of Sponsorship Recipient

Kevin's Baseball Experience with FBK1 and @ the Dominan Republic

Supporter. “At the Mr. October Foundation, we are committed to empowering under-resourced communities through education and life-changing opportunities, especially in STEM and athletics. Supporting YES and seeing Kevin’s dreams of excelling in baseball while developing life skills, building character, building confidence, and building connections within our communities. Seeing Kevin step onto the field at the farewell softball game at the Oakland Coliseum alongside Reggie Jackson and Oakland’s incredible supporters was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when communities unite to inspire and uplift youth. Together, we are proud to provide experiences that connect, empower, and transform young lives”

~Keith Loegering, Board Member, Mr. October Foundation

“Getting personal calls, emails and texts from our Sponsored Youth and/or their parents on a regular basis makes me smile and/or tear up each time I receive one. We are impacting these families through experiences while building communities.”

~Michael Glasser, Founder, Youth Experience Sponsorship

Our Current Success Story