Teddi's Off the Street Club Fundraiser

Damian wants to go to school. It’s not only to get out of his house, it's to change his destiny. His backpack is full, but not as heavy as his fear of violence, gangs and drugs that make his walk to the bus stop 10 minutes of terror.

Jasmine can’t concentrate on math today; the seat next to her is empty. In this neighborhood, no one misses a day of school for the dentist or a trip to Florida. She wonders if she will ever see her friend again.

Michael feels relieved that he made it home from school. Even though he knows kids who have been shot in their homes, he bolts the door and will stay inside until he tries to attend school again tomorrow.

Damian, Jasmine and Michael live in District 11 in Garfield Park, located on the West Side of Chicago. It is ravaged by crime, poverty, murders, robberies, and narcotics and garners national attention for the number of shootings.

Their only escape from a neighborhood fraught with dread is an organization known as the Off the Street Club.

Founded in 1900, Off The Street Club is Chicago’s oldest boys and girls club. OTSC currently serves more than 3,000 kids giving them a place where they can truly find hope. In fact, we say OTSC is where "hope has a home".

For many, OTSC is the one and only place these kids can safely escape for games, play, mentorship... and a chance. 

Violence spikes in the summertime here in Chicago, so what does OTSC do? They send ALL of their kids to Camp Mathieu, located in Wheaton, IL to completely remove them from the danger. However, we need your help to get all of our kids there.

I have been a part of Off the Street Club since I was a little girl. Every single kid here has so much love to give, and even more potential.

Help me get these kiddos to summer camp. It not only gives them an opportunity to actually BE kids; it could also save their lives. Every cent counts.