Many children in today’s foster care system lack the tools they need to succeed before they age out, and far too often, once they do, they are unprepared to face life’s challenges.
One Tampa Bay Area organization however is seeking to change this.
By equipping foster children with the tools needed to succeed before they exit the system and by providing education and mentorship, the Ian Beckles Foundation, aims to make a significant difference in the lives of young people.
Founded last year by Ian Beckles, a former Tampa Bay Buccaneer/current current co-host of the Ron & Ian sports show on 620 WDAE, the Ian Beckles Foundation has already seen significant progress.
Their goal is to “provide awareness, mentorship, and financial support to organizations actively improving the future of children’s lives in Tampa Bay” and the organization’s vision is focused on seeing children in the Tampa Bay Area “believing in their future regardless of their family dynamics or financial restrictions.”
They seek, through their mentorship and financial support to children’s organizations, “to empower children to rise and be a success story and not a statistic.”
Even in just a year’s time, much of that focus has begun to come into fruition for many that have been helped by the organization; many lives have been changed and many futures have been restored which is an incredible testament to the effectiveness of this growing organization.
Inspiration to Help Others
Born and raised by a single parent in Montreal, Canada, Ian Beckles himself understood what it was like to have to make significant sacrifices throughout his childhood.
Things were often challenging for Ian growing up, yet with football and a drive for success as his greatest motivation, Ian beat the odds and eventually went on to achieve some of his greatest dreams: playing college football at Indiana University and the National Football League for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles.
In more recent years, one of Ian’s greatest passions has been watching his own children grow up and participate in athletics. This love for his own children has only furthered his passion to help children throughout the Tampa Bay Area and beyond.
So far, his organization has been able to help many young people in the foster care system dream of a brighter future and get the support they need to succeed.
Featured Charity at The Tampa Bay International Curry Festival
The Tampa Bay International Curry Festival is honored to partner with the Ian Beckles Foundation.
The festival will be held in support of the Ian Beckles Foundation as well as a number of other organizations.
If you haven’t already, be sure to purchase your tickets to the Tampa Bay International Curry Festival to enjoy some tantalizing curry-based cuisine and live entertainment all while supporting remarkable organizations as such as this one.
