iMentor - Victoria O'Kane's Donor Drive Page

Dear Friends & Family:

I started volunteering for an amazing organization called iMentor. iMentor connects New York City professionals with high school students from low-income communities, creating the foundation and support for high-impact mentoring relationships. In September of 2009 I was matched with an AMAZING Junior attending Bronx Prep Charter School. My mentee, Abenai, just turned 16, has maintained an 80 average or above in all her classes, and her goal is to go to college and become a doctor.

Abenai and I share weekly emails through the iMentor portal and meet as often as we can at iMentor sponsored events. We are matched for a period of three years (poor Abenai is stuck with me for two more years!!), and we will continue to communicate when she graduates high school and moves on to the college of her choice (right now NYU is her top pick).

This program is so special to me because iMentor is truly committed to putting the kids first. iMentor is integrated within the school system itself. Parents and teachers do not sign kids up for the program, it is part of the schools' curriculum. Whether you are a straight A student, speak English as a second language, or are on the verge of dropping out of school, no child is refused from the iMentor program; no child is left alone!

The success of iMentor is demonstrated by the fact that 92% of eligible mentees graduated from high school after the 2009 program year (compared to New York City’s average graduation rate of 60.7%), and 82% enrolled in college. This year alone, iMentor will match 1,200 young people with 1,200 mentors in New York City – connecting professionals seeking a meaningful volunteer commitment with the young people who benefit so significantly from mentoring relationships. In order to do this we need your help. I know that times are tough for everyone but if you are looking to donate to a worthy cause, here it is.

Please consider making a donation to help me reach my goal. If you aren't able to make a financial donation I would encourage you to donate your time. I know it sounds cheesy, but the best part of my week is opening up an iMentor email from Abenai. I've done mentoring programs in the past but none compare to iMentor, I'd really encourage any of you who have an extra 20 minutes in your week to sign up and mentor. The difference can help change someone's life.

To learn more about iMentor, visit their website at www.imentor.org.

Thanks!!!

Tory