Thrive Together: Celebrate the importance of inclusive education with TNP
Learn, play, fail, grow, and most importantly, thrive together. Inclusion is not just about bringing people in–it’s about understanding how we all thrive when we’re together.
You’re invited to celebrate the importance of inclusive education for all students through our biggest fundraising event of the year, Thrive Together, on Sunday, August 28. For the health and safety of all, we’ll host a small in-person gathering for board members, event sponsors, and their guests, and invite all of our supporters, near and far, to participate virtually.
This virtual experience will include a 30-minute mix-and-mingle opportunity where virtual guests and event hosts can connect with each other from 3:30 to 4:00 pm Central Time. The live stream of the event program will begin at 4pm and will include our honoree celebration, fund-a-need opportunities, updates on the impact you made possible in the last year, and famed storyteller and emcee Kevin Kling.
The event will also feature a fully mobile silent auction that will open for bidding on Monday, August 22 and will remain open until 4pm CT on Sunday, August 28. Filled with jewelry, photography packages, gift cards, and items to enjoy anywhere -- there is something for everyone in this year’s auction.
Each year, we’re proud to recognize an individual and educator who have amplified The Nora Project’s mission in incredible ways, and we couldn’t be more excited to announce this year's honorees: Lachi and Juanita Herrera.
Lachi, a black woman with long braids, wears a blue dress with cutouts on the sides and holds a yellow glittery folded cane.
Supporter of the Year: Lachi
Lachi is an award-winning recording artist, disability inclusion advocate, and the founder of Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities (RAMPD). As a member of our Leadership Council, not only has she used her platform to elevate the work of The Nora Project and make meaningful introductions, her efforts in the music industry have changed the game for the students we serve. RAMPD's mission is to amplify disability culture, promote inclusion, and advocate for accessibility within the music industry. We've been thrilled to host RAMPD artists for virtual field trips, giving students the role models they need to dream big for themselves and to recognize the immense talent in others.
Juanita Herrera is a Latina woman with her dark hair pulled back into a bun. She wears a glasses, a teal v neck top, and a blue school lanyard with a name tag.
Educator of the Year: Juanita Herrera
Juanita is a Student Supports Manager for Communities in Schools (CIS) Chicago currently serving students at Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy. In an extremely difficult year, Juanita took on the extra challenge of The Nora Project and pushed in to deliver the Primer Pack to all third grade students in the building. Her efforts had such an incredible impact that not only did she achieve outstanding student outcomes, she sparked interest among educators across her building and is already working to expand efforts for the upcoming school year.
Please join us in congratulating our 2022 honorees by purchasing your ticket today to join the celebration as we Thrive Together on August 28th. Virtual tickets start at $50 and VIP ticket packages, including a custom summer sipper cup and signature drink recipe, are available to enhance your viewing experience.
Learn more about The Nora Project and how to build more inclusive classrooms in your school today. Registration for Jump Start Units is ongoing.
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