One Night 4 One Child: Celebrating 10 Years, Honoring Our 2025 Awardees, and Welcoming Dr. Sheri Ann McLean-Williams

This year marks a decade of impact for For One Child Foundation — ten years of breaking barriers, empowering underserved children, and building brighter futures through education.

To celebrate this milestone, we invite you to join us for our 10th Anniversary Celebration:

✨ One Night 4 One Child: A Decade of Difference ✨

📅 Saturday, November 15, 2025

🕕 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM

📍 Worcester Fitness Club – MacDonald’s Tavern, 440 Grove St., Worcester, MA

🎟️ Tickets are $55 — get yours now!👉 https://donorbox.org/events/801894

A Decade of Purpose, Passion, and Possibility

For One Child Foundation began with a single mission — to remove barriers to education for underserved youth. Over the past ten years, we’ve provided scholarships, school furniture, and laptops, and launched our SATE Program (Science, Art, Technology & Entrepreneurship), helping children explore creativity, innovation, and opportunity.

This anniversary is not just a look back—it’s a leap forward. Every dollar raised through this celebration will directly fund our Scholarship Fund and SATE Program, ensuring even more students have access to the education and experiences they deserve.

What to Expect

This isn’t a gala — it’s a celebration of joy and impact!

Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, music, and community:

🎤 Host: Latasha Hughes-Thomasson (Fitness 4 Life 1 & Your Favorite Neighborhood Girl Comedy)

🎧 Music: DJ Jagga

📸 Photography: Lynn Aurelie, Unabridge Media

💃 Dress Code: Impact-Inspired Chic — colorful, bold, and ready to dance!

Guests will enjoy delicious food, heartwarming stories, and a chance to celebrate those who make our mission possible.

Event Details

Honoring Our 2025 Awardees

Each year, For One Child recognizes individuals whose leadership and generosity reflect the heart of our mission. We are thrilled to announce our 2025 Honorees:

💺 ChairGiver Award (Highest Honor)

💙 Maria Lawson

💙 Mr. Mathias Brown (Posthumous)

This award represents the spirit of For One Child — embracing our mission wholeheartedly and advancing it with compassion and action.

🌞 Joy Ambassador Award

Youth Honorees: Imari Lawson & Sofia Martinez

Adult Honoree: Lorna Ellis

These changemakers embody joy in action — spreading kindness, positivity, and leadership in their communities.

🛡️ For One OG Award

Allison Chisolm & Antoinette Staple

Recognizing long-time supporters who have stood by For One Child from the beginning, helping us grow and thrive year after year.

🌱 Legacy Lifter Award

Jafet Martínez & Paulette Piñero

Celebrating visionaries who have elevated our mission and ensured its legacy for generations to come.

Award Ceremony 2024

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Sheri Ann McLean-Williams

We are honored to welcome Dr. Sheri Ann McLean-Williams, last year’s ChairGiver Award Recipient, as our Keynote Speaker. Dr. McLean-Williams' dedication to education, equity, and empowerment continues to inspire communities and shape the next generation of leaders. Her message will remind us of mission-driven work and why it is needed more than ever today.

Dr. Sheri Ann McLean-Williams- 2024 ChairGiver Award Recipient

Sponsorship Opportunities

We’re inviting local businesses, community partners, and advocates to join us as sponsors of this milestone event. Your support fuels our mission and helps us reach our fundraising goal of $10,000.

Sponsorship Packages

📬 Checks payable to:For One Child Foundation6 Suffield St. #3Worcester, MA 01610

📧 To Sponsor: Maria Lawson – mlawson@foronechild.org | info@foronechild.org

🎁 In-Kind Donations

We’re also welcoming in-kind donations for our raffle and live auction — including gift cards, products, services, or experiences. These donations bring excitement to the evening while helping us raise crucial funds for our programs.

📧 Interested in contributing? Email mlawson@foronechild.org or info@foronechild.org

Join Us for a Night to Remember

One Night 4 One Child: A Decade of Difference will be a night of reflection, recognition, and renewal — celebrating 10 years of empowering children and families through education.

Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of community, impact, and joy!

🎟️ Get Your Tickets Now ($55):👉 https://donorbox.org/events/801894

Together, let’s celebrate the joy, honor the journey, and dance for the difference. ❤️

#ForOneChild #OneNight4OneChild #10YearsOfImpact #CelebrateWithPurpose #EducationForAll

Patrons having fun.

Spotlight on Brilliance: Meet Khourie-Ann Green, SATE's Youngest CEO

When we opened the doors for our first-ever SATE Summer Bootcamp, we knew we’d meet some special young people—but we had no idea an 8-year-old from Jamaica would leave us speechless.

Introducing Khourie-Ann Green, the youngest of our 16 participants and the third-place winner of the 2025 SATE Sharklet Showcase.

Khourie-Ann joined the program while visiting Massachusetts for summer vacation, traveling from Richmond Park Preparatory School in St. Andrew, Jamaica. With her signature sparkle, a sharp mind, and a warm heart, she quickly became a standout in the cohort—not just for her age, but for her confidence, leadership, and unstoppable creativity.

A Natural Tech Innovator

From the very beginning, Khourie-Ann embraced the challenge of building a brand. During our Technology sessions with instructor Jafet Martinez, she dove into AI tools like a pro.

“Khourie-Ann quickly understood the tech concepts and was able to implement her ideas using AI tools. She won our AI prompt competition by getting very specific with her images and descriptions.” – Jafet Martinez

A Confident CEO in the Making

Once Entrepreneurship week kicked off, Khourie-Ann proved that her business acumen was just as bright as her creative eye. With guidance from instructor Paulette Piñero, she mapped out her idea with impressive clarity and heart.

Her business, Khourie-Ann Sparkle & Shine, focuses on designing and selling beautiful, custom jewelry that brings confidence and joy to its wearers. From brand identity to customer engagement, she thought through every detail.

“Throughout the whole program, Khourie-Ann modeled leader behavior, even amongst her older peers. Once she identified her business idea, she was able to explain her customers, how to attract new opportunities, and create loyalty with her brand. During her pitch, she was confident and clearly articulated her vision. It wasn’t a surprise when Khourie-Ann won 2nd place—and all of our hearts.” – Paulette Piñero

(Note: Khourie-Ann placed 3rd at the Sharklet Showcase but made a lasting 1st place impression.)

Building Her Brand

Khourie-Ann didn’t just dream up a business—she built it.

• Designed her logo

• Created a website mock-up

• Designed professional business cards

• Delivered a confident pitch presentation

  
  

  

🌍 Why It Matters

Khourie-Ann's story is a shining example of what happens when we provide young people with space, support, and tools to build their dreams. Her journey across borders to be part of SATE is more than a summer memory—it’s a signal of the global potential we unlock when we believe in every child’s brilliance.

Khourie-Ann, your sparkle is real. And the world is better because of it.

What are the Main Challenges Faced by Jamaican Schools?

Jamaica's education system, while rich in culture and history, faces several significant challenges that hinder the academic growth and development of its students.

Understanding these challenges is crucial for anyone looking to support educational initiatives in the country.

1. Lack of Educational Resources

One of the most pressing issues is the lack of essential educational resources. Many schools in underserved areas struggle with shortages of textbooks, learning materials, and technological tools.

This digital divide is especially evident in rural communities, where access to the internet and modern educational technology is limited.

For One Child Foundation's initiatives, such as One Laptop 4 One Child, aim to bridge this gap by providing digital devices to students, enhancing their access to online learning platforms and educational resources.

2. Inadequate Infrastructure

Many Jamaican schools operate with outdated and inadequate infrastructure. Issues like overcrowded classrooms, insufficient desks and chairs, and poor sanitation facilities are common. These conditions make it challenging for students to learn effectively and comfortably.

The One Chair 4 One Child initiative addresses this by donating sturdy chairs and tables, creating a conducive learning environment that promotes focus and productivity.

3. Economic Constraints and Poverty

A significant portion of Jamaican students come from low-income families, which directly impacts their educational journey. Financial constraints often limit students' ability to afford school supplies, uniforms, and even meals.

Consequently, absenteeism and dropout rates are higher in economically disadvantaged communities.

To alleviate this, For One Child Foundation provides scholarships and school supplies to underprivileged students, helping them stay in school and pursue their academic dreams.

4. Teacher Shortage and Training Gaps

The shortage of qualified teachers and the lack of professional development opportunities are major hurdles.

Teachers in Jamaica often face overwhelming workloads with limited resources, affecting the quality of education delivered to students.

For One Child Foundation supports educational workshops and mentorship programs that enhance teachers' skills and methodologies, ensuring they are well-equipped to inspire and educate the next generation.

5. Impact of Social Issues

Social challenges, including crime, violence, and mental health issues, significantly impact students' ability to focus on their education.

These social factors create unstable learning environments, contributing to emotional stress and reduced academic performance.

For One Child Foundation integrates social and emotional learning components into its programs, offering mentorship and support systems that help students navigate these challenges while excelling academically.

Make a Difference Today

The challenges faced by Jamaican schools are substantial, but with collective effort and support, these obstacles can be overcome.

By supporting initiatives like For One Child Foundation, you contribute to creating a brighter future for Jamaican children. Every donation, no matter how small, can make a significant impact.

Are you ready to help transform education in Jamaica?

Donate today and be a part of the change. Your support will empower underprivileged children with the resources they need to succeed in school and beyond.