January – July 2018
Mission
The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation strives to empower community alliances, impact youth leadership, promote health and wellness, and strengthen family foundations through community development, entrepreneurialism, and education resulting in a wholesome community.
President's Message
2017 is officially in the books and we’re looking forward to keeping the momentum going as we enter 2018! With that being said, let me begin by wishing everyone a healthy and prosperous year. It’s rewarding and fulfilling to continue to be involved with an organization that strives to exceed its own standards in executing its mission making its vision a reality. Having a team in place that takes pride in contributing to help others is one of the best assets of The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation, and all of their hard work over the years is invaluable. It’s certainly a dedicated team effort, and I appreciate every member that helps to make everything that this organization does impactful and held to the highest standard.
TFMJF’s core is comprised of outreach in the areas of: education, servicing the community, and healthy lifestyle awareness. We have successfully built foundations for our core focus programs with the events and initiatives that we have put in place. Strengthening community relationships and partnerships for greater impact is one of our key goals that we will look to put more emphasis on as we execute plans for TFMJF. As you read this newsletter, you will learn more about our programs, initiatives, how you can get involved, and the positive impact the collective efforts have on the Las Vegas community and surrounding areas.
Our committed supporters and their dedication to serving the community has enabled this organization to propel in many ways. It takes numerous hours of planning and preparation along with a strong force to execute our mission with excellence, and we can’t do it alone. The dedication and commitment of our volunteers and supporters has not gone unnoticed and we are thankful for anyone who has extended a helping hand over the course of our journey! As we progress, the partnerships and friendships that we establish along the way will be critical in taking TFMJF to new heights.
We look forward educating, leading, and inspiring in pursuit of reaching our goals, and are excited about the future of FMJF and the lives that will be touched!
Sincerely,
Nicole Craig
President
TFMJF
With another 2017 under our belt, The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation (TFMJF) has successfully excelled in implementing new initiatives, creating bigger and more impactful events, and servicing the Las Vegas community.. The foundation of our organization is built on foresight, generosity, and an unyielding desire to help underprivileged youth in the Las Vegas, Nevada community. This purpose is what prompted retired prizefighting icon and 12-time world champion, Floyd Mayweather Jr., to establish the charitable foundation that bears his name. Now that we have entered a new year we are excited to announce our 2018 initiatives, successes from the last half of 2017, and more ways for you to get involved with our organization and its initiatives. We welcome readers to use our newsletter as a resource to learn about healthier living, staying active, and educational opportunities. Share this with friends and family so we can work together as a team in making the greater Las Vegas area and beyond a better place for our children and families. We believe that keeping everyone in the know is a crucial part of the overall well-being of the communities we serve, while adhering to TFMJF’s formula of continued success. Enjoy!
Events
The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation is gearing up to host a fun-filled year of events, while we continue striving to promote our mission of community empowerment and youth leadership. Read below to learn more about ways to get involved, the events we hosted in the second half of 2017, and what’s in store for 2018.
Past Fundraising Events:
Wine Down Wednesday Sip & Paint: July 19, 2017
The third installment of our Sip & Paint “Wine Down Wednesday” fundraiser in 2017 was back bigger than ever at Pinot’s Palette in Las Vegas’ Town Square. Friends, family, locals, and visitors enjoyed their opportunity to unwind while painting the pre-selected portrait “Paradise”. A full selection of wine and treats were provided by Pinot’s Palette, and a portion of the proceeds were donated back to The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation in support of ongoing programs and initiatives.
Wine Down Wednesday Fall Edition: October 18, 2017
“Wine Down Wednesday” returned for a fun Halloween themed portrait to benefit The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation. In addition, Pinot’s Palette volunteered their space to accept non-perishable food items which benefitted our upcoming Thanksgiving Drive to help provide a proper meal to families in need. Pinot’s Palette provided supporters with $10 gift cards for their services, in exchange for donations.
Barnes & Noble Book Fair Fundraiser & Gift-Wrapping: November 26, 2017
The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation hosted the return of our Barnes & Noble Book Fair Fundraiser for a 3rd time to benefit the foundation’s Fight-4-Your-Education initiative. Friends, family, and the community joined us as we gift-wrapped their purchased items for the holidays in exchange for donations. Our mission is to promote literacy and academic achievement as well as instill our vision of providing children in our community with the tools they need to become successful in their studies. A portion of the sales from the Book Fair was donated to TFMJF.
Event Recaps:
Thanksgiving Giveaway: November 18, 2017
The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation and Mayweather Promotions presented the return of their Annual Thanksgiving Giveaway on November 18, 2017 at Bill and Lillie Heinrich YMCA in Las Vegas, NV. This marked the 4th annual event and is held to provide families in the community with a little assistance during the Thanksgiving season. Mayweather Promotions’ fighters joined the event to hand out Thanksgiving baskets that were filled with non-perishable food items and turkeys. This year’s Thanksgiving Giveaway was nothing short of being a success, with giving out 200 baskets and 400 turkeys to needed families in our community, we are forever grateful to be able to hold this annual event and continuing to see the growth and inspiration that it carries.
According to Feeding America, in 2016 41 million people struggled with hunger in the United States, this includes 13 million children. In 2015, 5.4 million seniors struggled to afford enough to eat.
The vision of the TFMJF Thanksgiving Giveaway is to raise awareness and cater to the needs of many under privileged families across the valley. In our efforts to promote good health and wellness, it is imperative that we continue putting the maximum effort in providing significant contributions in our annual Thanksgiving Giveaway.
We are anxious to increase the amount of support in the years to come, and make our annual Thanksgiving Giveaway a continuous success and event for the Las Vegas community.
Upcoming Fundraising Events:
Wine Down Wednesday Adult Sip & Paint: February 7, 2018
The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation will return to Pinot’s Palette on February 7th just in time for our Valentines Day edition of “Wine Down Wednesday”. Grab your loved ones and enjoy an evening wine, treats, and laughter as we paint the night away. A portion of the proceeds for this event will be donated to The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation, which goes toward programs and initiatives to better our community in 2018.
Barnes & Noble Spring Book Fair Fundraiser: TBD 2018
The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation will team up with Barnes & Noble for the 4th time to help raise funds for the upcoming Back-2-School Supply Giveaway event that will be held on August 4, 2018. Come join us and stock up on your favorite books and supplies for the school year. Our mission is to promote literacy and academic enrichment. Our vision is to give children the tools they need to become successful in their studies. A portion of the sales from the Book Fair will be donated to aid in purchasing school supplies for this year’s Back-2-School event.
Upcoming Events:
4th Annual Fight-4-Fitness 5K Run, 2K Walk, Kids Fun Run: Sunday, March 11, 2018, At Sunset Park
The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation is preparing for the return of our highly anticipated annual Fight-4-Fitness 5K Race, 2K Walk, Kids Fun Run (1/2 mile run for children ages 12 & under), and Community Day that will be held on Sunday, March 11, 2018 at Sunset Park in Las Vegas. The 4th annual event has a newly added ’80s & ’90s themed twist with prizes at stake for the best dressed and most creative fitness attire. The event is set to include participants ranging from all ages, friends and family, and members of the community. We will also be joined by our Mayweather Promotions stable of fighters, entertainers, and various talent who will amp up the crowd at the event. The Community Day event that is to follow the race day awards ceremony, will include great food, music, fun games, raffle prizes, scavenger hunt, and knowledgeable health and fitness exhibitors who will provide essential information to enhance individual fitness goals.
The mission of Fight-4-Fitness is much more than promoting a healthy lifestyle, it carries the vision of forming community alliances where awareness and empowerment serve as the nucleus for an improved quality of life. From children to adults, the whole community is welcome to join the “fight” in reversing health trends that are adversely affecting our quality of life. Fight-4-Fitness is one of the many steps you will take to a healthier lifestyle that includes consistent exercise, healthy eating habits, raised awareness of your own health, and a desire to want to inspire others to join in on the “fight!”
http://tfmjf.org/events/4th-annual-fight-4-fitness-5k-run-2k-walk-kids-fun-run/
Event registration & Community Day tickets can be purchased here:
To volunteer at any of our upcoming events email contact@tfmjf.org. We look forward to having you join us in our efforts of empowering our community.
Other Upcoming Charity Events Around the World:
1/1-1/31/18
Veganuary
All Over the World
Join thousands of people who have chosen to take the pledge for the month of January to become vegan as one of their New Year’s resolutions. There is nothing better than getting to eat delicious and healthy food while being able to save lives and help out the environment. Veganuary is a registered charity that wants to inspire people to try vegan, not only for the month January, but throughout the rest of the year.
For more information visit: https://veganuary.com/
2/1/18
Legend for Charity Dinner: Benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Minneapolis, Minnesota
The annual Legends for Charity Dinner will be taking place at the NFL Headquarters Hotel, the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, on February 1, 2018 during the weekend of Super Bowl LII. This event was created in 2005 by Cheryl DeLeonardis who is the President of Ocean 2 Ocean Productions. The proceeds collected at this event will contribute to the lifesaving mission of St. Jude: Finding Cures. Saving Children.
For more information visit: https://www.stjude.org/get-involved/find-an-event/dinners-and-galas/legends-for-charity.html
Wellness Retreats
3/15-3/18/18
WE Inspire Wellness Retreat
Samana, Dominican Republic
WE Inspire Wellness is a remarkable 4-day wellness retreat that will aid not only successful and aspiring women entrepreneurs, but anyone who wants to take the opportunity towards a balanced and satisfying lifestyle in pure relaxation and rejuvenation. It will take place from Thursday, March 15th– Sunday, March 18th, 2018 at the elevated Luxury Bahia Principe Samana in the Dominican Republic.
You can expect to start your day off with a morning yoga or meditation class followed by educational, interactive workshops, and panel discussions. Expert speakers and mentors will be present to share tools of success in all aspects of your life. You will also have time to enjoy some fun in the sun and take advantage of the various amazing restaurants that the resorts have to offer.
The WE Inspire Wellness Retreat is an opportunity to invest in yourself and in your personal and professional growth. It is all about self-discovery and learning innovative ways to better yourself and continue growing and evolving. Take this time of relaxation to focus on yourself and your aspirations while being surrounded with individuals with the same mindset that will help one another.
Registration Deadline is February 15, 2018
http://bizofwe.com/events/retreat/
3/28-4/1/18 & 5/30-6/3/18
Rancho Pescadero Wellness Retreat
Todos Santos, Mexico
After all of the holiday stress and madness, a spring wellness retreat to Mexico is calling your name. The Rancho Pescadero luxury Oceanside wellness retreat is an adult-only hideaway that is located an hour north of Cabo San Lucas. This getaway offers two four-night sessions that include a combination of yoga, surfing experiences, and nutrition education.
This retreat includes two daily guided yoga sessions, seminars on mindful eating techniques, a massage, a garden tour, and surf school lessons for all levels of learning. The perfect spring weather in Baja Mexico is the ideal environment for a mindfulness escape.
For more information visit: http://ranchopescadero.com/special-offers/yoga-surf-nutrition-retreat/
Upcoming Fitness & Wellness Events
2/24/2018
15th Annual Choose & Move Festival
Las Vegas, Nevada
Community Partners for Better Health are returning for their 15th Annual Choose and Move Festival at the Cambridge Recreation Center in Las Vegas on February 24, 2018. This festival will encourage participants in engagement of physical activity as well as provide education on the role and importance of physical activity and nutrition in preventing chronic disease.
This fun-filled event will include loads of family fun such health screenings, Zumba, dance instruction, nutrition classes, and health education information There will also be a registered dietician on site to speak with. The fun does not end there! There will be prize drawings as well!
For further information visit: https://www.communitypartnersforbetterhealth.com/
6/27-7/1/18
Idea World Convention
San Diego, California
On June 27-July 1, 2018 over 14,000 personal trainers, group fitness instructors, club and studio owners and managers, mind-body professionals and nutritional professionals from over 60 countries will join together for the Idea World Convention in inspiration, passion, and growth. This event, held in San Diego, CA, will give you the chance to participate in career-building education, learn success tips from leaders who have mastered the industry’s skills, increase your knowledge of what it takes to motivate long-term behavior change, create meaningful connections with peers of the community.
It’s important to keep up on the current and latest trends of the health & wellness, fitness, and nutrition. At this convention, you will be able to gain a variety of new skills, knowledge, and insight on the top products of the industry and learn from the best personal trainers, group exercise instructors, nutrition professionals, club & studio owners, program directors and managers, and mind-body professionals.
To learn more about how you can participate visit: https://www.ideafit.com/fitness-conferences/idea-world-fitness-convention
Community Outreach
2017 was a remarkable year for The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation as we continued our efforts in building and empowering our community alliances through providing the necessary resources and programs that will have a positive impact on our community. Read below to learn more about how we’re making a difference for families, students, and those in need all over our community and beyond.
“Trivia Tuesday’s” & “Thankful Thursday’s” Giveaway: October -November 2017
Mayweather Promotions and their fighters joined TFMJF in providing 10 lucky fans with gift cards from October 10th to November 16th through our #ThankfulThursday and #TriviaTuesday social media giveaways. This giving campaign was designed to extend our appreciation to our supporters. Fans participated in our #ThankfulThursday campaign each week by tagging 5 people they are thankful for and winners were chosen at random. For our #TriviaTuesday challenge our fans were asked trivia questions about Mayweather Promotions and their stable of fighters. The questions ranged in difficulty, but our true fans did not have any trouble with this challenge. Winners for this challenge were chosen by who answering all questions correctly, and were mailed $50 and $100 gift cards to use as Wal-Mart stores as a gift for the holiday season. We received innumerable number of responses from fans who showed their gratitude and appreciation for TFMJF and Mayweather Promotions in assisting them this holiday season.
IBF Holiday Gift Initiative: December 2017
The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation and Mayweather Promotions fighters partnered with the IBF/USBA for their annual Holiday Toy Drive in their efforts of collecting toys and donations to gift to children at the University Hospital in Newark, NJ. University Hospital admits children to its pediatric unit that range in age from infants to 18. The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation and Mayweather Promotions staff contributed to the IBF Holiday Toy Drive by raising money to purchase toys that were sent to University Hospital.
Our fighters, Badou Jack and Kevin Newman, supported the cause with their generous donations and allocating time from their busy schedules to purchase toys for the children. See below to follow their experience.
Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (NPHY) Wish List: December 2017
The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation reunited with the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (NPHY) to help the youth in Southern Nevada have a brighter holiday season. The mission of NPHY’s programs are to stabilize the lives of homeless teens’, meet their immediate needs and provide them with a safe, supportive environment, and a path to self-sufficiency. The foundation and Mayweather Promotions contributed their efforts by donating gifts including: clothing, personal care items, household items, and gift cards to the NPHY in support this holiday season. To learn more visit: http://www.nphy.org/about-us/
#HashtagLunchbag
The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation and Mayweather Promotions have joined the #Hashtag Lunchbag humanity service movement to provide those in need in Las Vegas with bagged lunches made with love. These lunch bags include signature love notes with inspiring words of encouragement because we know that every single person deserves to feel love and acknowledgment. This heartwarming experience shows the power of love and teamwork to make a difference.
#Hashtag Lunchbag began in 2012 when a small group of friends that were trying to find a meaningful way to give back around the winter holidays. It has now grown to over 100 cities in the U.S. and continues to expand nationwide. #HashtagLunchbag is the perfect example of how a small group of people in our community can make a larger impact for the nation.
#HashtagLunchbag will return to Las Vegas on January 20, 2018. The goal is to make lunches with love in support of this community initiative at each of their planned monthly local service days for the year. For more information on how you can get involved click here:
Hygiene Care Kits: Winter 2018
The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation has collected and prepared hygiene care kits with essential items such as: water, shampoo/conditioner, body wash, tooth brushes, toothpaste, deodorant, socks, and necessities, that will be donated to a local charity this winter season.
Philanthropy Spotlight
Hannah Taylor, The Lady Bug Foundation
Hannah is by all accounts a regular young teen. Her zest for life extends to her love of people, nature, writing, and drawing. She is the published author of Ruby’s Hope, a beautifully written and illustrated children’s story that inspires hope and caring, and empowers its readers to get involved and “make change” at any age. At just 5 years old Hannah Taylor saw a homeless man eating out of a garbage can and decided to take action. By the age of 8, she founded the Ladybug Foundation – a charity that helps homeless people find dignity and refuge. The organization has raised over $2 million for projects across Canada providing shelter, food, and safety for displaced people. Now a teenager, Hannah spends most of her time speaking at schools and events about the plight of homeless people.
“ I have learned a lot about homelessness and poverty and I have had the chance to teach people about homelessness. I have talked to thousands of people. I believe that if people know about homelessness – that there are people living without a home – they will want to help.”
– Hannah Taylor, Founder
Since 2004, Hannah has advocated for people who are less fortunate. She has spoken to groups as small as 2 and as large as 16,000. From former Prime Minister Paul Martin to now Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Hannah has engaged in conversations with politicians, CEO’s and Presidents of major corporations, famous musicians and actors, visited hundreds of schools from Newfoundland to BC, Singapore and Sweden in hopes that people will listen and choose to help The Ladybug Foundation make a difference for people who are homeless.
Hannah is a true leader of giving and helping to shape humanity. The Lady Bag Foundation was just the beginning for this aspiring teenager and leader of hope. She plans to continue spending her time encouraging citizens to get up and help in any way possible. Hannah’s foundation aligns with The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation’s mission to uplift the community and provide support. Thank you, Hannah, for your inspiring work!
Fight For Your Education
The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation (FMJF) strives to combat school attrition with our events and programs that provide children within the community with essential tools required for success. TFMJF believes it is imperative that our community and parents stick together to provide support for our children to excel in their studies and extracurricular activities. TFMJF has developed The Back-2-School Giveaway, Advancement of Women in Sports & Entertainment Scholarship, and Honor Roll Spotlight, as our way to give support and confidence to our students as it relates to their studies. We are honored and thankful to be in a position to give back and these are just a few ways that we have been able to come together and reach our students and impact them positively. As we embark on a new year, it is our duty to continue to “fight” for education and inform our community on more ways to get involved. Read on to learn about or recent scholarship recipients and Honor Roll spotlights!
TFMJF Spring 2018 Advancement of Women in Sports & Entertainment Scholarship
The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation honors two women every fall and spring semester to receive The Advancement of Women in Sports & Entertainment Scholarship. The scholarship fund was created with a goal in mind: aid women in furthering their education and encourage their participation in a profession in which women are underrepresented. Lauryn Lawrence and Hollie Perry have been selected as the recipients for the TFMJF Spring 2018 Advancement of Women in Sports & Entertainment Scholarship. Read more about the road they traveled to find the perfect career and their future goals. For guidelines on how to apply for the Fall 2018 Advancement in Women in Sports and Entertainment Scholarship before the June 15, 2018 deadline, visit: www.tfmjf.org/scholarships.
Name: Lauryn A. Lawrence
College: Spelman College (Atlanta, GA)
Year in College: Junior
Passion Statement: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12
Proud Spelman College student Lauryn Lawrence is working to become her best self and molding a life of her own through her college experiences. Born into a family of educators, Lauryn grew up with the desire to further her education as well, and felt the best option to prepare her for success was to follow in the footsteps of her grandmother, who is a Spelman Alumna. Spelman has been her college of choice since she was a baby; as an Atlanta native Lauryn attended daycare on Spelman’s campus when she was younger. Now Lauryn is an English-Journalism major with a minor in dance and she’s living out her dreams.
Currently midway through her junior year, Lauryn has shifted her focus to achieving bigger goals that include: moving to New York and working in arts & entertainment communications, becoming a professional dancer, and eventually becoming an executive of a major publication. Lauryn also has her eyes set on creating an initiative for inner city youth that focuses on movement and dance to stimulate healthy lifestyle choices that will benefit the community. If all works out as planned, she plans to care for and spoil her parents who are her biggest influencers and have encouraged her to follow her dreams.
On top of the major goals and accolades she has already achieved, Lauryn also has a passion for community service and is actively involved in activities at school. She volunteers at her family’s non-profit organization Metro Atlanta Respite & Developmental Services, Inc., Sister’s Against Domestic Violence, Hosea Helps and the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Lauryn is busy with a multitude of on-campus organizations to include: Sister’s Keeping It Real Through Service (S.K.I.R.T.S), the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, the National Association of Black Journalists, Spelman College Dance Theater, co-captain of the Morehouse College Dance Team and many more. In of spite her active involvement in the community, Lauryn is on the Dean’s List and has the following advice for aspiring students: “work your hardest in everything you do, and to never give up on your goals and dreams!”
Lauryn is a true warrior with many achievements under her belt and a true role model for other aspiring young women. She has stayed focused through her studies and is motivated by success and idea of one day repaying her family who once supported her. We want to say congratulations to Lauryn and wish her good luck in her future endeavors.
Name: Hollie B. Perry
College: Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY)
Year in College: Graduate Level Education
Passion Statement: Don’t let other people define who you really are.
“Eat, sleep, work, and study” is the mantra Hollie Perry lives by and uses to describe her daily lifestyle since she began the 1-year intensive Television, Radio, & Film (TRF) graduate program at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. A lack of sleep is the new normal for Hollie, but her desire to work in television is worth the sacrifice and is her main motivation. Hollie, of Loveland, Colorado, was often told by others that she was too shy and would never be able to accomplish her goals. However, Hollie has channeled that negative energy into the driving force that allows her to move forward with her primary goal of finishing her graduate degree. The program offered at Syracuse University is one of the best in the country and is known for producing some of the most elite talent in television and film that the entertainment industry has to offer. As a result, Hollie is proud to be part of such a wonderful school and believes that the intensity of coursework will be rewarding.
On a mission to work daily toward accomplishing her goals, Hollie completed her passion projects which include writing stories, creating short films, reading biographies, traveling to learn more about history and humanity, and volunteering at museums. Each one of these activities allowed her to stay current, and encouraged her to keep pushing toward her dreams. Hollie’s long-term goal is to produce a traveling sitcom with a comedic flair that focuses on the similarities in humanity, regardless of location. She is one step closer to her dream becoming a reality thanks to the Independent Study program that has allowed her to develop her idea more fully. Our dreams require hard work and dedication to attain, and Hollie is well on her way to dream fulfillment. The message left from the goal minded and passionate Hollie is to stay true to yourself and your dreams, no matter the hurdles.
TFMJF “Honor Roll Spotlight”
Famous Johnson aka “Famous J” is a fifth-grade student at International Christian Academy in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ten-year-old Famous has been on the honor roll every year and manages to do so while staying competitive in sports. He enjoys basketball, football, soccer, and boxing. Read below to learn about what Famous enjoys reading, what he likes to do in his spare time, and why Floyd Mayweather is his role model.
Q: Is this your first time making Honor Roll, if not, how many times have you made Honor Roll?
A: No, I’ve made Honor Roll every year.
Q: What is your favorite subject and why?
A: I really like Math, I love learning about this subject and having fun it.
Q: What is your favorite book/series?
A: My favorite book series is Diary of a Whimpy Kid.
Q: What helps you stay focused & motivated in school?
A: Knowing that I want to be able to continue playing sports keeps me focused on getting good grades. I know that good grades will allow me to get into a good college so I can continue being an athlete.
Q: Who do you look up to as a role model, and why?
A: Floyd Mayweather, because he believes in me and has shown me that with hard work anything is possible.
Q: Are you involved in any after-school programs or sports, if so, what?
A: Soccer, football, and basketball.
Q: How do you juggle school and your after-school commitments?
A: I make time to work hard and plan time to study hard. I have done a good job juggling school and sports so far.
Q: Do you have any other achievements or accomplishments that you would like to share with everyone?
A: I have made the A/B Honor Roll for the past 5 years and I have also received the Kindness Award two years in a row.
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not in school or studying?
A: When I’m not in school or studying, I love to study boxing. It is a great sport and I love it because I’m good at it.
Q: Tell us something about you that we haven’t already asked you would like us to share with everyone
A: In November, I won the 2017 Gene Lewis Tournament in boxing.
Meet Symphony Mitchell, a sophomore and A-student at Urban Assemblies School for the Performing Arts in New York city, who loves to dance and dreams of one day roaming the streets of Paris and attending a top performing arts school like Juilliard. Read on to learn what motivates the aspiring dancer, who she looks up to, and how she juggles her rigorous schedule.
Q: Is this your first time making Honor Roll, if not, how many times have you made Honor Roll?
A: No, I have been academically achieving the Principal’s Honor Roll each semester since I entered high school. My school rewards us each semester that we remain on Honor Roll.
Q: What is your favorite subject and why?
A: My favorite subject is English. I love English because I’m able to capture the imagination of the writer in any story that I read, which shows in my writing skills.
Q: What is your favorite book/series?
A: My favorite book series is the infamous Harry Potter, with the “Chamber of Secrets” being my favorite.
Q: What helps you stay focused & motivated in school?
A: To stay focused and motivated in school, I begin my daily regimen with prayer and positive words of encouragement. Sometimes I have to take a deep breath and relax so my emotions won’t get the best of me when school gets difficult. I also make sure that I surround myself with smart and happy people like myself that will also keep me motivated.
Q: Who do you look up to as a role model, and why?
A: My ultimate role model is my beautiful mother! She is the most outgoing, driven woman I know especially with her background. She is filled with so much happiness even when she isn’t her best self. My mother is the reason I’m able to get out of the bed in the morning and she drives me to be the best person I can be, just like she has always been the best mom.
Q: Are you involved in any after-school programs or sports, if so, what?
A: Yes, I am involved in student government and dance, which requires meetings and practices for dance performances.
Q: How do you juggle school and your after-school commitments?
A: Needing to juggle school and other commitments is usually the reason a lot of students limit their participation in after-school activities, but the key is not overthinking it and focusing. You must really pay attention when it comes to academics because if your grades slip, you cannot participate in the other activities and nothing else really matters. After school activities should be chosen based on what you enjoy and how much you can commit to given your school workload.
Q: Do you have any other achievements or accomplishments that you would like to share with everyone?
A: Yes, on top of being heavily involved in school, I am part of the liturgical dance ministry at my church and help my mom with mentoring projects and planning youth events.
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not in school or studying?
A: When I’m not in school or studying you can find me stretching my limbs for dance and dancing for hours, listening to music, or creating new content for my YouTube page.
Q: Tell us something about you that we haven’t already asked you would like us to share with everyone
A: I’ve always dreamed of traveling the world and walking the streets of Paris with my mom. I would also love to be a student at one of the top dance companies in the world like Juilliard.
Franiya Tiffany is only in second grade, but is bursting with talent and a love for education! She currently holds a 3.8 GPA, is on the A/B Honor Roll at Calvary Christian Academy in Fort Walton Beach, Florida and is destined for greatness. At such a tender age, Franiya has already learned the importance of hard work and dedication. Find out more about how she juggles her activities and school, what goals she accomplished, and what she would like to be when she grows up in our Honor Roll Spotlight feature.
Credit: Creativesoul Photography
Q: Is this your first time making Honor Roll, if not, how many times have you made Honor Roll?
A: No, I have been an honor roll student for the last three years.
Q: What is your favorite subject and why?
A: I love every subject but my favorites are bible, art, music, science, reading, and math. I love creating different pictures in art using paint and crayons. Music makes me happy because I am interested in creating music and love how different sounds come together. In Math, I have fun learning about money and in Science we experiment with slime. I love bible and reading because I get to learn about God and our world.
Q: What is your favorite book/series?
A: My favorite books are the Boxcar Children. I love reading Christian stories too. I also wrote my own book called “Love Your Art”.
Q: What helps you stay focused & motivated in school?
A: When I see the A+ I made on an assignment, it motivates me to keep pushing because it feels good to doing great in school. I also pray every day so that I stay focused and get encouragement from my parents.
Q: Who do you look up to as a role model, and why?
A: I look up to my mom and dad, and God because they teach me I can do anything. Beyoncé also motivates me because she’s a girl boss. I can be the same if I keep working on my talents and be the best.
Q: Are you involved in any after-school programs or sports, if so, what?
A: Yes, I’m a dancer and I take piano lessons.
Q: How do you juggle school and your after-school commitments?
A: I always do my school work and study for my tests before any after school activities and read before bed.
Q: Do you have any other achievements or accomplishments that you would like to share with everyone?
A: I wrote a book called Love Your Art to encourage others to love who they are and love what they do. I also received a trophy for being most athletic on my basketball team last season and it was my first time ever playing basketball!
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not in school or studying?
A: I love dancing, making inspirational videos on my Instagram page (@franiya_tiffany), reading books, and writing.
Q: Tell us something about you that we haven’t already asked you would like us to share with everyone.
A: I want to be a boss when I grow up so I can help others. I love to model fashion. My favorite show is Lip Sync Battle Shorties and I hope one day I can be on the show. I also plan on going back to New Orleans again one day so I can go to a Beyoncé concert, would like visit New York, and love ice cream.
Malachi Bennett is a third-grader at The Dunham School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana who excels at football and is an avid reader. With his mom and pet dog Snowball by his side, Malachi works daily toward his goal of getting education and playing in the NFL. Read more about Malachi’s favorite subject, his love for reading, and how he juggles schoolwork and extracurricular activities.
Q: Is this your first time making Honor Roll, if not, how many times have you made Honor Roll?
A: I have been on honor roll the entire school year.
Q: What is your favorite subject and why?
A: My favorite subject is Math because I am good at it, and I love to add and count.
Q: What is your favorite book/series?
A: The Diary of a Wimpy Kid books are the best to read and are very funny.
Q: What helps you stay focused & motivated in school?
A: My mom makes sure that I get my homework done before I can play sports, so that keeps me focused and motivated.
Q: Who do you look up to as a role model, and why?
A: I look up to Odell Beckham Jr. as a role because he has a passion for football and he is the number one football player on his football team; when I get older, I want to play NFL football just like him.
Q: Are you involved in any after-school programs or sports, if so, what?
A: I play football and basketball after school.
Q: How do you juggle school and your after-school commitments?
A: I am able to maintain schoolwork and after school sports by being a good listener to my teachers and coaches, and paying attention in class so I get my work done on time.
Q: Do you have any other achievements or accomplishments that you would like to share with everyone?
A: I have earned a lot of rewards playing football.
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not in school or studying?
A: When I am not in school, I love to read chapter books. I enjoy reading so much that my mom gets mad if I don’t take a break after I start it. I just read a 217 page in 3 hours.
Q: Tell us something about you that we haven’t already asked you would like us to share with everyone
A: Road trips with my mom are fun and I enjoy playing with my dog Snowball.
Health & Wellness
Fight-4-Fitness 2018:
The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation is preparing for the return of our highly anticipated annual Fight-4-Fitness 5K Race, 2K Walk, Kids Fun Run (1/2 mile run for children ages 12 & under), and Community Day that will be held on Sunday, March 11, 2018 at Sunset Park in Las Vegas. The 4th annual event has a newly added ’80s & ’90s themed twist with prizes at stake for the best dressed and most creative fitness attire.
Details for this event can be found in the Events section of our newsletter, or you can visit our event page for more information at: http://tfmjf.org/events/4th-annual-fight-4-fitness-5k-run-2k-walk-kids-fun-run/
Event registration & Community Day tickets can be purchased here:
Relive last year’s Fight-4-Fitness event here:
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle requires more than simply eating healthy. The various factors that should be considered in addition to healthy dieting are proper exercising, mindfulness activities, and proper skincare. Read below for healthy lifestyle tips that you can incorporate into your daily regime.
Wellness: Drinking tea offers many benefits. The body is supported through detoxification, which helps with weight loss, fights against cold and flu, and provides sleep relief. We have compiled a list of teas that will be sure to make an impact on your well being.
Green Tea: Green tea offers many benefits due to its factor of being high in antioxidants, especially catechins. Catechins are natural compounds, found in some teas that help fight cell damage. Therefore, some of the greatest benefits of green tea are its production of healthy cell growth, reduced cholesterol levels, boosts metabolism, aids in weight loss, and has a soothing, calming effect for nighttime relief.
Black Tea: Although this tea has similar components to Green Tea, it contains larger amounts of antioxidants and caffeine. The benefits include, but are not limited to, lowering the risk of heart disease and diabetes, boosting a healthy immune system, regulation of blood sugar levels, and its most common benefit of anti-inflammatory properties.
Peppermint: This tea offers a therapeutic effect due to the oil and menthol that is found in peppermint. It works great as a decongestant, weight loss management, and also contains anti-inflammatory properties.
Ginger: Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe the stomach, relieves sore muscles, and lessens the strength of menstrual cramps. This tea is also great for allergies, colds, and can ease motion sickness.
Chamomile: This tea is popular for its treatment of stomach and sleeping problems because it is rich in anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. Some of the many benefits include skin care treatment (lessen blemishes), boosts immune system, relieves menstrual discomfort, induces sleep, manages diabetes, hair care, treats allergic reactions, and treats stomach issues.
Sources: http://helloglow.co/the-health-benefits-of-tea-15-teas-for-any-ailment/
Health: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and we’re here to show you why. The first thing this meal does is jump-start your metabolism and helps you burn the necessary calories throughout the day. There are probably days where you go about with no breakfast and feel lethargic, it is because breakfast gives you energy and without this important meal you will not be able to focus anywhere, at any time. Here are the reasons why your breakfast meal is an essential part of your day:
Weight Management: Skipping a meal won’t make you any thinner, but eating a meal with protein and fiber in the morning will help you keep a balanced diet. Researchers have found that on average, people who eat breakfast are thinner than those who don’t, so stop skipping your meals and make sure you get a breakfast in every day.
Kids and Breakfast: Many kids don’t eat breakfast in the morning because they simply don’t feel like it. Going to school with no breakfast will give kids a harder time focusing and in return feel less energetic and more tired. Their bodies are in the stage of growth and need all of the nutrients and fuel that the body needs to stay healthy and continue growing. Skipping breakfast will also lure kids into eating junk food throughout the day and increase their weight. This can all be avoided by having your kids eat a balanced breakfast before going to school every morning.
Portion Size: You might be the type of person that just prefers not to have anything to eat in the morning because you don’t want to get full, but you don’t need a big breakfast meal every morning. Your best option is to have fiber and protein to keep you full and energetic for the remainder of the day. Some other great options include whole-grain cereal, fruit, breakfast smoothie, nuts or whole grain granola bars, and low-fat yogurt.
Sources: https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/most-important-meal#3
Mindfulness: Medical News Today have conducted numerous studies that have shown that mindfulness practices can enhance resilience and focus, help reduce stress, increase energy, and protect against heart disease. Mindfulness is not only limited to adults, but can be practiced with children as well and can help increase their focus during school. Below we have listed mindfulness practices that you can try out to keep your mind and body at ease and relaxation.
Enhance Resilience & Focus- Yoga and meditation are great practices that have psychological and physical benefits associated with them. A study conducted by Dr. B Rael Cahn, from the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, found that yoga and meditation enhanced functions of the central nervous system, a healthier immune system, and strengthens sense of focus and awareness.
Reduce Stress- A study conducted by Ivana Buric, of the Centre for Psychology at Coventry University in the UK, found that mind-body interventions (such as yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, and other mindfulness practices) are leaving molecular signatures in our cells which in turn reverse the effect that stress and anxiety would have on the body by changing how the genes are expressed. In summary, mind-body interventions tell the brain to change our DNA processes toward the path to a healthier well being.
Increase Energy- The number of people in the United States who are practicing yoga has increased from 20.4 million in 2012 to the current number of 36.7 million people. Only 25 minutes of yoga practice a day will increase your energy levels and improve essential brain functions significantly.
Heart Disease Protection- Heart disease includes nervous conditions that impact the essential function of the heart such as coronary heart disease, irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, and heart attack. Aside from the common lifestyle changes of following a healthy diet and exercising regularly to avoid complications, meditation is also a key benefit for heart health.
Sources: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319333.php
Get Involved
Now that we have officially closed 2017, we are overjoyed to reflect on the success of the events hosted by The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation over the past year. Each and very event hosted by the foundation is a step toward achieving our mission to empower community alliances, impact youth leadership, promote health and wellness, and strengthen family foundations through community development, entrepreneurialism, and education resulting in a wholesome community. We would like to acknowledge the volunteers that support our vision and have helped us to serve our community graciously, helping to make each event a success. Whether it’s a community member volunteering for the first time, or a loyal supporter, we are thankful for our volunteers that are dedicated to helping us make a positive impact on the community. We want to say thank you to our hard-working staff and dedicated volunteers, in 2017 we accumulated over 650 community service hours.
Our Back-2-School Giveaway, Fight-4-Fitness, and Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaways are just a few opportunities for volunteers to fill a void in the community, meet other likeminded people seeking fulfillment through volunteering, and most importantly allow for an opportunity to provide service to others. The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation plans to continue bringing events to the community that support those who need it most and provide healthier lifestyle awareness. Our only hope is that our growth in the community as we build upon our roster of events will encourage future volunteers to help us reach our goals and impact more lives.
If you are interested in sponsoring or volunteering for one of our programs, please feel free to contact us via email at:contact@tfmjf.org. Help us to reach new heights in 2018!
Other ways to contribute to making our efforts more impactful include donations and corporate sponsorships. We welcome any contribution to The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation, simply visit our website for details: http://tfmjf.org/connect/make-a-difference/.