My name is Ebony Clark. I am a single mother of 2 grown sons and 7 impressionable grandchildren. I have worked as a Media Specialist for over 23 years. Although I enjoy my career path, my vision has primarily been to own a recreation center for toddlers, infants and preschoolers from all walks of life. I am an advocate for parental involvement with their children as well as keeping senior citizens active and involved by volunteering their wisdom and time at the recreation center.
TIPs (Toddlers, Infants and Preschoolers) Recreation Center has been dear to my heart for over 15 years but being that I was a single mom surviving on one income and raising my sons, I had to put that vision on hold. When my first grandson was born it was natural for he and I to play around with various sports that catered to his age and development. For the first 5 years of my grandson’s life, he lived with me so my vision of opening up the TIPs Rec Center had resurfaced.
I have envisioned a “home” for toddlers, infants, preschoolers and the disabled kids to run free (with parental supervision) and find their interest in activities without parents forcing the TIPs to be in an organized sport or activity that really does not inspire the TIP. TIP Rec will be a place where the TIPs are the bosses and the parents are inspired. TIP Rec is important to me because now a days organized sports start at the age of 5 or 6 while the impressionable minds of infants from the time they are walking to at least 5 years old have to sit on the sidelines. TIP Rec is also dear to my heart because at an early age, TIPs can enhance their skill development just by having fun. TIPs Rec can also help parents see what sports and/or activities most excites their future professionals.
The funds received from contributions will allow me to rent a building that allows me the space to setup each of the activities and sport structures for the TIPs. The funds would also allow me to purchase items, tools, and storage for TIP Rec Center.
I am seeking contributions totaling $16,000 to help get the doors open to TIPs Rec Center. I am ready for a vision to become a reality. I am ready to see the smiling faces of toddlers, infants, preschoolers and their families.
I am excited to send all contributors of $99 or less a Certificate of Appreciation and those that contribute $100 or more a Plaque of Appreciation. In the near future, we will also be sending out a newsletter to all contributors so each of you can remain informed and just as excited as myself, the TIPs, the parents and the community.
If I do not reach the entire amount of my goal, every dime donated will still go towards the successful opening of TIPs Rec Center. I will continue to seek funding as well as continue to save my money the future home of the TIPs.
TIPs Rec Center is far beyond me but will be a place where toddlers, infants and preschoolers can show parents what their various interest are. It will be a place where volunteers of many professions and knowledge can be a positive influence on the TIPs, their families, myself, employees and the community.
TIPs Rec Center is not just focused on sports but also fields like construction, culinary, dance, computers, gardening and so much more. TIPs Rec Center will allow TIPs to view life where everything from tools, seating, tables, equipment, restrooms, counters, etc. are designed specifically for their height and their growing mindset.
Funding and time have been the challenges that halted the opening of TIPs Rec Center. Over time, I have been able to start putting aside money to fund TIPs Rec Center but it has been a slow process. I am now an empty nester and have the time, energy and mindset to learn from our future leaders of this world.
I hope to find contributors that are just excited as I am. If funding is an issue, word of mouth can be just as beneficial. Please spread the word as well as reach out to anyone that you may know whom can assist with this vision becoming a reality. You can use the share tools on Indiegogo to assist with getting the word out.
Thank you from the future TIPs and myself.
