Money available to 'make it happen'

After improving health habits for Galileo Magnet High School students, young people would like to spread healthy living change to others in the community.

“We want to make Danville a better place overall,” said Kenyara Lipscomb, a Galileo student.

Galileo’s “Commit to Stay Falcon Fit” program is just one of many change initiatives in the region spurred on by Danville Regional Foundation’s “Make It Happen!” program, which awarded 38 grants totaling $345,000 so far, said Starling McKenzie, DRF senior program officer. Decisions on grants are made within two weeks.

The foundation allocated $1.6 million to the program through 2013, so there is plenty of money left for organizations that would like to apply for a grant up to $10,000. People just need ideas on improving the Dan River Region for all and the passion to see a project through.

Like Galileo’s project, which encouraged healthy eating, exercise and plenty of sleep, more than half of the Make It Happen projects have been related to health, DRF President and CEO Karl Stauber told 11 students in a Wednesday morning biology class.

All of the projects are driven by people who are passionate and care with their hearts and minds to make the community a better place, Stauber said. A community-wide reading of “Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard” a year ago led to the program.

“I want to ask you for your ideas,” he said, adding he would like to award 10 grants to more high school organizations and young people’s projects in the next six months.

“Be the leader, make it happen and we can help you,” Stauber said.

The education on health habits, including realizing it takes discipline, struck a chord with the Galileo students.

Elizabeth Carman realized the need to cut back on sugary drinks laden with empty calories. Hillary Hylton continues walking with a friend she made in her Falcon Fit group, especially as she liked to see the numbers add up on the pedometers the program used to measure steps and calorie use.

Lipscomb also realized an exercise break could help relieve stress and promote happiness.

“A big part of any change is education about the change,” Hylton said.

Now, how do the Galileo students spread this change through the community? asked Galileo nurse and grant applicant Sherri Wright.

Angelina Robinson suggested using Facebook as a way to get young people to share what they’re doing with others. It’s also an excuse to take a photo for Facebook, and it could also promote school spirit, Lipscomb added.

Lipscomb wonders if large stores like Walmart or Target could announce “recess” or “brain gym” over the intercom at certain times, encouraging customers to skip or walk a longer route around the store for physical activity.

Adding a labyrinth to downtown Danville would also encourage walking, focusing on the present and would be attractive for redevelopment of the River District, Hylton said.

McKenzie encouraged young people to try to bring something not already in existence to the community.

“If you have a great idea, submit it,” McKenzie said.

For more information about the Make It Happen program, visit www.danvilleregionalfoundation.org or call McKenzie at (434) 428-4273.

Bozick reports for the Danville Register & Bee.