Thank You For Supporting LTYD “2020”

Happy New Year to everyone and thank you for supporting us in our first year. We're incredibly humbled by your generous financial and social support to continue to build Larry Thomas’ legacy! Last year was dominated by the COVID 19 pandemic. Progress to meet our 2020 mission and vision was challenging but NOT IMPOSSIBLE! In only six months, our outstanding board managed to accomplish the following: 

Kickoff

Our first order of business was to establish a board of directors. We quickly assembled a board as Larry has a huge group of local and international professionals, friends, and family members eager to continue his legacy. On June 12, 2020, we launched Larry Thomas Youth Development Corporation. 

Leave Your Legacy Series

We featured Joseph Taylor and Charles Cobbs discussing “Overcoming Obstacles”, “Lessons Learned”, and “The Importance of Leaving a Legacy”. 

Backpack Drive 

Our very first LTYD Leave a Legacy activity was working with students. As schools were trying to figure out what their student’s schedules were going to be, in person or virtual, LTYD organized a back-to-school backpack and school supply drive. We donated 112 backpacks and school supplies to South Point students. The drive was a huge success! Hooray, Hooray!! LTYD was up and running. 

South Phoenix Youth Football Saints Sponsorship 

Larry Thomas established the South Phoenix Saints Youth Football team in 2005. It was officially organized in 2007. In August we sponsored ten youth for the Siaha Burley wide receiver training camp. We also sponsored three youth registrants for the Saints 2020 football season. Larry followed, supported, and maintained a strong relationship with the Saints. Assisting them continued Larry’s long-standing connection. 

Legacy Award 

In November and December, the Board gave  LTYD Legacy Awards to four high school students. Along with that, each recipient received a $50 gift certificate. 

Give-to-the-Kids Silent Auction 

On Giving Tuesday, LTYD featured a fund-raising auction. The objective for the Give-to-the-Kids Silent auction was to raise $3000 to support our upcoming programs.   

Christmas Boxes 

In December we partnered with Mountain Point High School’s Adopt a Family campaign. We were happy to present nine disadvantaged families with Christmas boxes. 

Youth Mentoring Program 

December was a remarkably busy month. We conducted the first     “ Visualizing Our Future”, mentoring workshop. The program was designed to teach young ladies how to successfully meet their goals and prepare for future endeavors. The workshop included vision boards, guest speakers, and college and career planning. Certificates of completion and monetary gifts were distributed at the end of the five-week program.  

We could not have achieved any of this without the continued generous support of our friends and family. We have touched approximately 150 young lives in our first six months. We are incredibly humbled and honored. We already have another 3 programs to launch in early 2021 as well as the programs already started. 

Thank you again and we look forward to our partnering with you in 2021!! 

LTYD Board