D-UP seeks money to help families 'Million Dollars' campaign starts with major gift

Jul. 12--HIGH POINT -- D-UP Inc. kicked off its Million Dollars Million Donors campaign Friday with a big boost toward its goal of helping youth and families.

The nonprofit announced the Earl and Kathryn Congdon Family Foundation has pledged $600,000 to support its Playbook 2020 strategic plan. The pledge of $200,000 a year for three years provided exclusive naming rights of the organization's 512 Washington St. property, unveiled as The Congdon Wellness and Education Center. Renovations are underway for a fall 2020 opening to offer art therapy, tutoring by Say Yes Guilford, outpatient therapy with Guilford County Resource and Referral, mindfulness with yoga and nutrition education with Growing High Point, Second Harvest Food Bank and NC Cooperative Extension.

"The Congdon family has been an integral part of the success of many local organizations that focus on critical community needs such as education and economic development that are also fundamental to D-UP's programming," said Jakki Davis, executive director and cofounder. "We are truly grateful for the gift allowing us to continue in our mission and assist with making a huge impact for the families in the community."

D-UP operates 16 programs for youth and families, primarily serving the Washington Street and East Central communities. Those programs include Washington Street Enrichment Afterschool and Summer Camp, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Women's Wellness, and Washington Street Music and Movement Collective. Its newest program -- FUNdamental Field Hockey, a youth development initiative in partnership with Allie's Legacy and USAField Hockey -- is designed to expose youth in Washington Street Enrichment Program and the community to field hockey. The program is in memory of Allie Zambito, a High Point University graduate and volunteer with D-UP.

D-UP's three-year strategic plan has three focus areas: capacity building, program delivery and management, and fundraising.

Friday's social media launch of D-UP's Million Dollars Million Donors campaign took a grassroots approach.

"Giving to D-UP strengthens the future of the community," said Susan Fagg, board chair. "It takes a village, and it's important for all of us to work together."

Funds raised will assist D-UP with its mission to provide comprehensive wraparound services for children, adults and families by promoting health, education and life readiness.

Corvin Davis, D-UP cofounder and director of programs, echoed Fagg's comments "that every dollar counts for D-UP to continue to provide quality, fun, and structured activities for youth and families in a safe environment that fosters courage, hope, belief and pride to live a healthier lifestyle. Encouraging youth and families to take advantage of educational opportunities to become productive citizens in their communities is also important."

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, D-UP developed a model to address five needs of families: eating, educational, emotional, enrichment and economic development. Funds are needed to ensure families are healthy, safe and thriving during and after COVID-19.

D-UP also collaborated with Sandy Dunbeck, Susan Ormond and Claire Robinson to create Sew on High Point, which taught mothers of D-UP and High Point LEAP participants to earn money by sewing masks.

In partnership with the Hayden Harman Foundation and the family of the late Jackie Haizlip, later this month D-UP plans to open D-UP Dominion, a life skills training program for youth and adults that will include not only sewing but screenprinting, photography and upholstery.

"Grandma would be so pleased to see small businesses and community members being empowered," said Haizlip's granddaughter, Rishaunda Ewings Moses. "That's what she wanted on Washington Street. I can see her looking from heaven, smiling."

cingram@hpenews.com -- 336-888-3534 -- @HPEcinde

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Want to help?

--Visit D-UP Inc. via Facebook to make a contribution via PayPal, CashAp $Itstime2Dup or mail a check to D-UP Inc., 613 Washington St., High Point NC 27260.

--For more information, contact Jakki Davis at 336-383-6048

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