In 2020 we have found that HOPE ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY, 100% FLOATS! We knew it did, but never has it been more clear. This year, despite being the worst year ever for most everyone, we are astonished by all we have been able to collectively accomplish. Not-to-mention, all the firsts and the records broken along the way.
We’ve seen some of our swim school partners (MANY of our swim school partners) be forced to cut back on lessons, lay off employees and even close their doors while wading through this year’s unchartered waters. We’ve shared, and felt, the struggle within local communities. And then, through it all, you have amazed us with your incredible resilience and your dedication to ensuring the tragic pandemic of accidental drownings will continue to be fought. We welcomed 35 new partners (THE MOST IN ONE YEAR) and expanded our mission to 5 new states. Hope Floats scholarships are now available in 200 locations across 30 states.
Together, your perseverance (in a time of unprecedented crisis), and your commitment to raising funds to support scholarships in your community gives “Hope Floats” true meaning. We are thrilled to be able to provide some truly inspiring 2020 outcomes with you….. Hold on to your winter hats!
What would you say if we told you we collectively:
Raised $170,000 (THE MOST EVER) for scholarships and provided 10,200 swim lesson scholarships (ALSO THE MOST EVER) to children who otherwise would not be able to afford to learn how to swim. We are humbled by the outpouring of support shown, and we hope you are proud of all the lives you have helped to save.
Increased awareness of water safety and the importance of swim lessons. During the month of May 2020, National Water Safety Month, we collectively reached over 80,000 people (THE MOST EVER) by donating our social media to share important water safety messages.
Boosted scholarships in local communities through Covid-19 Scholarship Relief. Jackrabbit Swim led the way with a $5,000 matching gift and made it possible for Hope Floats to grant an additional $17,000+ in Covid-19 Relief Scholarships to our partners across the country (THE FIRST at Hope Floats).
Helped to promote healing with the creation of two named memorial scholarship funds, (THE FIRST at Hope Floats). The FItz Scholars Fund was created in honor of a 16-year-old boy, Fitz Alexander Campbell Thomas, who drowned in the Potomac River near Leesburg, VA this past summer. The Noah Woodall Noah’s Ark Scholarship fund, to honor the memory of Noah Woodall, a young swim instructor at Safety Before Swim School who passed away tragically in a car accident.
Received the support of 7-time Olympic Medalist Amanda Beard as she joined the Hope Floats’ Board of Directors. As if we were not grateful for all of our dedicated volunteers, adding an Olympian to our team makes us feel like we won the Gold medal!
“When something bad happens, you have three choices. You can: let it define you, let it destroy you, or let it strengthen you.” ~ Unknown. We are so thankful that you joined us in choosing the latter because Hope does indeed Float!
Written by: Stef Baker, Hope Floats Partner Liaison