Programs
Donnie Avery's Catches for Kids Foundation has three signature programs:
Back to School
The "Back to School" program will launch in August of 2011 with the purpose of ensuring that children have the basic items needed to begin the school year. "Back to School" will provide at-risk elementary school children (ages 6-12) with back to school items including back packs, supplies, clothing and shoes.
Just Show Up!
The "Just Show Up!" program will be launched in St. Louis Public Schools to encourage more than 15,000 middle and high school students to attend school and stay within its positive environment.
Donnie will serve as the "Attendance Spokesman" for SLPS middle and high schools. Through a series of audio and video PSA's and social media outlets, Donnie will hammer home the importance of school attendance.
"Just Show Up!" will offer incentives to students who take a vested interest in attending school. Students who qualify are eligible to receive gift cards, T-shirts, autographed photos of Donnie and Rams jerseys. The Grand Prize will go to the school whose students exhibit the highest attendance rate, which includes a full school assembly with Donnie.
To ensure the program's success, the Catches for Kids Foundation will assemble a "Just Show Up! Task Force", which will include Donnie, SLPS leadership and one student from each participating SLPS school.
Operation North Pole
Each December, Donnie and a few of Santa's elves will visit St. Louis-area at-risk children to pass out gifts, visit with families and partake in activities to help spread holiday cheer.
