Native American Youth in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Gathering Thunder Foundation was happy to assist our local Native American youth in Grand Rapids, Michigan by purchasing brand new backpacks to start the 2018-19 school year off in a great way! With over 125 youth in need of basic school supplies and backpacks, we reached our goal and couldn't have done it without all of YOU. Thanks to all of you, over 125 backpacks and school supplies have been collected for local Native youth in Grand Rapids, MI.
Gathering Thunder Foundation teamed up with the wonderful people at the Red Road Talking Circle, Unlimited Alternatives and St. of MI Indian Outreach Services and distributed the backpacks to the children. There were many happy faces that were so excited and ready to start the school year in style.
Thank you, to each and every one of our donors and volunteers for helping to make the beginning of this school year a joyful one for the youth and a less stressful experience for their parents/grandparents.
Mitakuye oyasin!
Updates - Coming Soon!
Thanks to all of our generous donors and sponsors, Gathering Thunder Foundation is honored to partner with our friends at Nottawaseppi Huron Band Potawatomi and their Youth Education and Summer Programs in Grand Rapids, MI.
Gathering Thunder Foundation is helping to sponsor the Youth Regalia Making Workshop. In this workshop, youth will learn how to make and create their own pow wow and ceremonial regalia, under the tutelage of tribal elders.
Learn more at: http://nhbpi.com/
Gathering Thunder Foundation was honored to host Horse Nations Day in August of 2016. Youth and elder members of the NHBP enjoyed a day of horse education and interaction at Hidden Creek Horse Stables and Sanctuary, followed by a nutritious lunch and education opportunities at the home of Gathering Thunder Foundation in Lowell, MI.
Ojibwe Thunder Basketball
A fun day was had by all as we watched these 7 young warriors battle on the basketball court today. The Ojibwe Thunder from the Leech Lake Reservation in northern Minnesota played hard and with a great attitude, fighting against some big schools and big teams in a St. Paul tournament. They won one and lost one but never lost their drive! Kevin, Dad, and I were proud to represent Gathering Thunder Foundation and took them out for a lunch celebration afterward which they all enjoyed.
Such a neat group of boys! We are hoping to help them further, possibly with uniforms, tournament entry fees etc. These kids were unshakable in the midst of big money schools. Just seven boys...with giant hearts! Priceless!
Special thanks to Gil Zamora and Cindy Kingbird for showing up for these boys, being a constant in their lives and excellent role models. It was a pleasure to meet and spend time with them today!
Sota Boyz Uniforms
It is with great joy that I share with you these Fantastic images of the uniforms for the Sota Boyz Basketball team which are almost ready for shipment to these VERY excited young athletes! It has been amazing to see the enthusiasm from everyone who so generously opened their hearts to make this happen! In addition to these uniforms, there are matching hoodies which are equally as impressive.
The Sota Boyz are over the moon excited to take the court in their stunning new gear! I will continue to keep everyone posted with pictures and reports of their upcoming tournaments! BRAVO to Gathering Thunder Foundation and all of the beautiful sparks of light who give so beautifully from their hearts to make this and ALL the incredible acts of kindness happen!!! MY FACE HURTS FROM HAPPY SMILES FOR THESE KIDS!
-Kelly Spencer, Co-Chair Sota Boyz Fundraiser