(Original article and image published in the Bucks County Herald)
“Dream it. Learn it. Do it.” That’s the motto of the Plant a Seed, Inspire a Dream Foundation.
Michele and Gene Rice are the parents of four adult children. When their children were in school, the couple observed the difference extracurricular activities made in their lives. “They had great adult role models,” says Michele. “They were interacting with other children who had the same interests they did. And most importantly, they were pursuing activities they were passionate about.”
The positive experiences of their own children made Michele and Gene think about how they could enable less advantaged children to also enjoy the benefits of supplementary activities.
Originally from Long Island, they relocated to Upper Makefield 30 years ago when Gene started a new business, Rice-Cohen, an internationally recognized search firm.
The couple has always been involved in our community. Michele worked as a speech language pathologist before leaving her career to raise their four children, and Gene found time to coach sports and mentor high school and college students through summer internships.
They created Plant a Seed, Inspire a Dream Foundation, located in Yardley, in 2008 to ensure that more children would be able to access the opportunities their kids had so enjoyed.
Since then, Plant a Seed has helped more than 800 children between the ages of 10 and 18 pursue their passions. These activities include cheer, dance, art, sports, music lessons, coding, karate, boxing, horseback riding, and many more.
“The support of our sponsors,” Michele and Gene are quick to point out, “is integral to the continued growth of the Foundation. We are grateful for their help in pursuing our mission to connect young people from low-income households to life-altering creative activities.”
These activities can mean different things in the lives of different children. Fifteen-year-old Julian Asencio says, “I remember when I was being picked on. Martial arts taught me to defend myself.” The Rices also pair children with mentors in whichever hobby they are interested. In Julian’s case, the perfect role model was Master Ryan Wagner at Achievement Unlocked Martial Arts in Bensalem.
Sometimes what starts out as a hobby can turn into a professional interest. In a testimonial, Jazilynn, 20, wrote “I’m not sure you guys remember me, but I want to say thank you so much for helping me with dance. It has meant so much to me to grow up with dance, and now I am going to pursue dance as my career when I graduate.”
A mother wrote about her daughters, “Chatika and Naieta were able to attend three successful competitions along with other local performances. If we didn’t have your assistance, we may not have known of the great opportunities this season offered us. Keep doing all that you do! You are making great impressions and steppingstones in our lives, and I am sure in others.”
Gene and Michele are willing to go the extra mile. “We meet with every child and their family before awarding a scholarship,” says Michele. “It’s very important to us to make sure this is what the child truly wants and it’s equally important that we are more than just a check writing foundation. I personally reach out to everyone we partner with on a monthly basis.”
Scholarships are renewable annually, so children can continue to grow their passions.
In addition to direct applications, social workers, teachers, clergy, and friends can refer a child.
The Foundation would like to hear from anyone who wants to help enable a child’s passion, and donations and ideas to hold a fundraiser are welcomed.
This year, Plant a Seed, Inspire a Dream will award two $5,000 scholarships to Bucks County high school seniors to be used toward furthering their education, whether college, technical school, beauty school, etc.
To be considered, students are asked to write an essay stating why they are passionate about continuing their education.
Essays should be sent to michele@plantaseedfoundation.org.
Scholarships will be awarded by Dec. 31.