The Power of ONE Breakfast for Healthy Communities Initiative was recently held at The Springhaven Country Club, hosting over 130 guests who represented schools, churches, government, law firms, hospitals, sports organizations, social service groups, non-profits, and businesses from across Delaware County. “Without a doubt, this event signals for HCI that there is support and belief in the work we are doing, for our children, families and the entire community,” announced HCI Executive Director, Dana Riker, “as we continue with our goal to ensure that every child finishes high school with all 40 Developmental Assets!”

The event’s purpose was two-fold: to inform the audience of HCI’s history and future plans, then to ask for their financial and personal support. Both goals were reached, as comments from guests included, “ I didn’t know of the strong programs and outreach HCI has built” to “I think our group needs to be part of this fantastic effort”. Funds from the event will go to enhance and build HCI programs, such as P.I.E. Mentoring, HCI Club, or the Parent Discussion Groups.

Solid commitments and partnerships have been forged with major players in the community, including the Rose Tree Media School District, Rocky Run YMCA, Reformation Lutheran Church, Riddle Memorial Hospital, Media Youth Center and many more.

Speakers included Dr. Denise Kerr, Superintendent of Rose Tree Media schools, Rev. Larry Smoose, Pastor of Reformation Lutheran Church and HCI President, Joe Casta, Penncrest student and member of the HCI Club, Andrea Youndt, Rocky Run YMCA Executive Director and Deanna Gardner, Penncrest student and P.I.E. Mentoring partner with Youndt. The PTG representative, Linda Cassey, shared her excitement in HCI progress and passion for serving youth as well as Tony Goldsmith, a Therapeutic Counselor who commented “ the Parent Discussion Groups have been effective and supportive ways to help parents deal with teen issues” and will be continuing this outreach on a regular basis in the Fall. A very special guest and friend, Art Dion, former President of HCI and founding member, now CEO of the AIDS Coalition of Southern New Jersey, shared that his involvement with HCI was one of 5 major milestones in his life, “those being my marriage, births of two children, and my present work.”

Hailey Carlson, a junior at Penncrest, created the logo for The Power of ONE Breakfast with support from her teacher, Steve Mescanti. The video presentation was produced by Brian Kenney, a graduating senior of Penncrest with technical guidance from Mike Clark, a teacher at Penncrest. The HCI Song, created by Janine Kelly and produced by Kim Fink of Makin’ Music, played during the event.

The Power of ONE Breakfast will be an annual event and plans are now beginning for 2009. To learn about HCI and how you can support building the 40 Assets, visit www.hci-rtm.org.