The Adopt-A-Team program is a new initiative for GOTR Memphis as of Fall 2024 that encourages folks in the community to commit to helping out a Girls on the Run site by providing snacks, swag, and support to the whole team. Throughout the season, wonderful Team Managers help make sure every girl in our program thrives. Read more about two of our "adopted" sites below!
Evans Elementary: Adopted by Emily Matheny
Emily Matheny is a standout supporter of Girls On the Run. She has been a monthly donor since 2019, but this season, she decided to further her involvement with GOTR Memphis by adopting Evans Elementary. She has been able to help provide snacks, get additional supplies for the team, and work on ideas for their practice 5k!
Q. You've been a supporter of GOTR for a while, but this is your first semester getting to volunteer hands-on with a specific team. What's been your favorite part?
A. Supporting GOTR has been one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever made, and deepening my involvement felt like a no-brainer when I heard about the adopt-a-team program! My favorite part of being able to work hands-on with a team has been seeing the relationship the coaches build with the girls over the season. The coaches are phenomenal and so dedicated to pouring into these girls, and it’s really sweet to see how the girls embrace them back. On a personal note, the girls really like the trail mix I bring! My toddler eats almost nothing I make for him at the moment, so I’m also just glad someone appreciates my efforts in the kitchen.
Vision Prep: Adopted by Valero
Valero's Memphis Refinery is just five minutes away from Vision Prep Charter School, and the company was eager to get involved with the Girls on the Run team there! Having already established a relationship with the school through their philanthropy and community impact efforts, Valero has been able to provide snacks throughout the season, as well as an extra special group of cheerleaders for VP's Practice 5K last week.
Q. Why did Valero decide to adopt Vision Prep?
A. Our refinery connected with Riverview Elementary School over 15 years ago and that school closed. They were located just a few miles away from our refinery. Vision Preparatory took over their building. We’ve become huge fans of their program and support them with charitable contributions and multiple volunteer efforts throughout the year. Valero has a mission to always foster positive impacts in the communities where we operate, live and socialize. Tom Benton, the founder of Vision Prep brought new opportunities for educational excellence in South Memphis.
Q. What do you think is the impact of Girls on the Run on the community around Valero and Vision Prep?
A. The Girls on the Run program promotes physical and mental well-being which are essential to childhood growth and development. I think Girls on the Run offers young girls in South Memphis an excellent opportunity to join a team and be involved in an organized sports league or other extracurricular activity. “Building Confidence for Life” is a strong statement with endless impact as these young women take on future roles in our communities. My wife is a runner and I have seen firsthand the strength it builds physically and mentally. Michael Perkins, our Valero Volunteer Council president has taken the lead on this program and we’re looking forward to involving more volunteers as the relationship develops.
Thank you to all our Adopt-A-Team Team Managers! We and all our program participants and coaches appreciate you.
Interested in learning more about becoming a Team Manager for the spring? Registration opens soon at the link here.