The Dragas Companies Donates Summer Camp Supplies to ForKids

Every summer, thousands of children attend summer camps throughout the Hampton Roads area. These camp settings are where children develop a sense of independence and gain self- confidence as they learn new skills. However, many children from low-income families that are unable to go to summer camp experience the “summer slide,” which means they fall behind in school because they were not engaged and learning over the summer months. ForKids aims to help enrich the summer experience by hosting a summer camp for children in need, and our Dragas team was eager to help make camp a reality! “We wanted to give back to Hampton Roads in a way that made a long-term impact,” said Sally Horvath, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at The Dragas Companies. “Changing a child’s life can start with one summer at a time, and ForKids’ investment in these children is making an incredible difference. As part of The Dragas Companies’ 50^th anniversary celebration, we made a commitment to give back to our community. Helping with ForKids’ summer camp kits is allowing us to do just that. Collectively, the company donated 50 summer camp kits, which include everything a child needs to attend a sleep-away camp, from swimsuits and sleeping bags to bug spray and sunscreen. “Some of our kids never get to leave their neighborhood and too often spend their summers in shelters and chaotic, overcrowded apartments,” said Thaler McCormick, CEO of ForKids Hampton Roads. “This gift from The Dragas Companies helps our kids to get away, see nature and enjoy the summer just like other children. The Dragas Companies helps us show our kids there is so much possibility in the world.” This donation is one of the many ways our team has given back during our 50^th anniversary celebration, which is focused on giving back to Hampton Roads. Donations in addition to these summer camp kits have included:

• $50,000 to ForKids, as title sponsor of their annual art auction. In addition, the Dragas family pledged an additional $500,000 specifically to ForKids’ campaign to build a new headquarters and family shelter complex in Chesapeake.
• 50 pairs of running shoes donated to Girls on the Run.
• And next, 50 summer reading kits to the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Virginia!

Every child deserves a summer full of fun! For more information on ForKids Hampton Roads, visit www.forkidsva.org.