CRESCENT Philanthropy

GE Energy Gives $15,000 to Carolina Ballet Theatre  for Children’s Wellness Program

Officials with Carolina Ballet Theatre announced that GE Energy is providing a $15,000 sponsorship for the theatre’s SHAPEX program. SHAPEX, a health and wellness program designed to teach nutrition, fitness, and self-confidence through dance and movement, aims to combat childhood obesity through lifestyle changes and education.

SHAPEX was created through a partnership with Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center and initially funded by GE Energy. It is one of the many ways CBT upholds its mission of sharing the dynamic art of dance through education and community outreach. The program’s unique attributes – including mentorships with GE volunteers, integration with CBT’s professional dance company, individualized instruction, and an interactive curriculum – set SHAPEX apart from traditional nutrition programs. Madeline Jazz, CBT Education and Outreach Coordinator, feels that SHAPEX promotes lifestyle changes and gives participants the tools to succeed long after the program’s completion. After a successful pilot year last year, CBT began to look for ways to expand SHAPEX.  GE Energy’s sponsorship will allow the program to continue for another year.

“We are thrilled to have GE Energy return for a second year to sponsor SHAPEX,” said Beth Nichols, Development Chair for Carolina Ballet Theatre’s Board of Directors. “GE’s funding will allow SHAPEX to continue to change at-risk children’s lives in innovative ways, through the fun of movement. CBT is honored to have GE’s continued sponsorship and the company’s engagement, through volunteering, to help SHAPEX not only thrive but grow to meet the goals we have set for the upcoming year.”

One of SHAPEX’s pilot year participants named “Sam” found success and life change through the program’s innovative approach. Sam, 14, was unable to complete the 30-minute cardio warm-up routine during the first SHAPEX session. Over the course of the program, his stamina, lung capacity, and fitness improved substantially. Sam’s self-esteem and confidence blossomed as well: he developed into a leader of the class, volunteering to demonstrate difficult movement concepts. The skills Sam and the other participants acquired through the SHAPEX program are invaluable in managing childhood obesity and Juvenile Type II Diabetes.

“This is an innovative approach to a growing problem,” says Mark Reilly, Manager of Communications and Public Affairs for GE Energy. “We were thrilled to see the pilot program be so successful. The GE Volunteers who worked with this program found the transformation that takes place in the children participating is truly remarkable.”

 

Greenville Family Partnership Receives Grant From TD Charitable Foundation

Greenville Family Partnership (GFP) received a $5,000 grant from the TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, to support GFP’s Hispanic Outreach Program.

GFP has been serving the Greenville County for almost 28 years in areas related to substance abuse prevention.  The Hispanic Outreach Program will provide culturally appropriate life skills, economic and educational training for the under-served Hispanic families who are at-risk, according to GFP officials.

“This support will expand our current outreach to Hispanic families,” says Carol Reeves, Director and CEO of Greenville Family Partnership.  “We have tried hard to help this population, but more is begging to be done.  We are extremely glad to be able to continue in this very needed outreach.”