FLINT, Michigan -- A $1,000 grant from Mari Copeny, known as “Little Miss Flint,” and the Community Foundation of Greater Flint will support Whaley Children’s Center.
Copeny, a young philanthropist and activist who describes herself as the “future President,” received the funds by being a recipient of a Nature’s Voice Award from Greater Good Charities and Nature’s Logic. The awards recognize environmental advocates for their “exemplary communication efforts.” The awards can go to a nonprofit of the recipient’s choice, and Whaley was selected through the Community Foundation’s President’s Discretionary Fund.
“We are thrilled to receive these funds through the Community Impact Fund from the Community Foundation of Greater Flint and Mari Copeny,” said Mindy Williams, president and CEO of Whaley Children's Center. “We are so grateful for the work Mari does in our community on behalf of children. We thank her for her continued support.”
Copeny has raised more than $500,000 through her Flint Kids fundraisers. She has also provided more than 1 million bottles of water, and her Flint Kids Read initiative has resulted in thousands of books being shared into the community. She has also raised money for and organized school supplies drives and other youth-oriented events and activities in Flint.
Ms. Copeny has raised over $500,000 for a number of projects benefiting Flint Kids, from backpacks with school supplies, to Christmas and Easter baskets, to movie screenings and over a million bottles of water. The Community Foundation of Greater Flint and Whaley Children’s Center are pleased to partner with her for this award.
The grant helps Whaley fulfill its mission of providing residential childcare services to children ages 5-17 who have suffered abuse and neglect. Services provided by the organization include residential treatment, group homes, family counseling, and aftercare.
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