Start 1 Spark

09/01/2026

✨Monthly Spark✨

Talk about a multi-sport athlete! This John Rolfe Middle School student started as a football player, then quickly expanded to baseball -- where he plays almost every position. Through baseball, this student has learned valuable lessons in collaboration and versatility. He is an asset his team can count on!

As an outfielder, his speed sets him apart. So, he plans to take this talent to the track this coming school year and train as a sprinter.

He attributes his success to his dad and to Coach Carter, who have taught him selflessness -- things won't always go his way, and that's okay!

These wise anecdotes make this athlete a standout spark! ✨

08/28/2026

A spark is all it takes to start something new!✨

This back-to-school season, your gift can give a student the opportunity to discover a new passion, remain committed to an activity, build confidence, and grow into a leader.

🔥$25 - Spark a student's curiosity
🔥$50 - Fuel their commitment
💡$100 - Build their confidence
🌟Become an illuminator - help sustain an entire program

Every contribution helps remove barriers to extracurricular participation and gives students the resources they need to thrive. Join Start 1 Spark in creating more opportunities for students this school year by donating today!
👉️ https://secure.qgiv.com/for/b2202/

08/26/2026

🏅Access to school sports begins before a student ever steps onto the field!

Start 1 Spark recently hosted two sports physical clinics at Brookland Middle School, helping students complete an important requirement for trying out and participating in school athletics.

A huge thank you to the Kiwanis Club of Henrico for providing volunteer support to PedsFirst for dedicating the time and care needed to complete the physicals. We're so grateful to ICNA for providing interpretation and translation services so every family felt informed, supported, and welcome.💙

08/24/2026

🎒Welcome back, students and teachers!

School doors are opening this week, and students are returning ready to learn, reconnect with friends, discover new interests, and have their best year yet!✨

At Start 1 Spark, we believe some of the most meaningful school experiences happen beyond the classroom. Whether students join a sports team, play an instrument, participate in a club, or explore the arts, extracurricular activities help them build confidence, develop new skills, and feel connected to their school community.

We can't wait to support our students through another incredible year of learning, participation, and growth!💙

08/20/2026

🏅Fuel for Fun is back this August!

Snack kits are the #1 requested resource at Start 1 Spark, and we need your help preparing for the fall sports season! Each kit provides a student-athlete with a nutritious after-school snack to help them stay energized, focused, and ready to have FUN!

📅August drop-off days:
Monday, August 24, 4-5:30pm
Tuesday, August 25, 11am-1pm

Assemble your kits at home, add an encouraging message, and drop them off at 8942 Quioccasin Road in Henrico. Volunteers receive one hour of service for every 10 completed kits!

Can't make an August drop-off date? Don't worry – we'll have plenty of opportunities throughout the school year!

Learn more at https://www.start1spark.org/healthysnacks and tag us when sharing your Fuel for Fun experience!💙✨

Our young athletes are growing each day and they need the energy required for practices and games. ​​With the majority of our students facing food insecurity, your kindness in donating snack kits guarantees students have the energy and sustenance to take the field. 

08/18/2026

Check out the article our summer intern wrote for River Road Living! Our Fuel for Fun program kicks off next week. Join us in keeping students healthy on the field!

Back-to-school season is about more than pencils and notebooks, it’s about making sure students have the fuel to learn, grow, and compete. 🏫🥪💪

Start 1 Spark Healthy Snack Kit Program provided approximately 9,147 snack kits to student-athletes across four schools during the 2025–26 school year. Thanks to dedicated volunteers and community support, every athlete gets the fuel they need to thrive. ❤️

08/17/2026

Nonprofits play an important role in strengthening our communities and helping schools access the resources their students need!

In honor of National Nonprofit Day, we want to thank the The Rotary Club of Richmond for its generous support. Their recent contribution, along with the help from University of Richmond School of Law student volunteers, allowed us to transform a classroom at Lucille Brown Middle School into a "black box' theater!🎭

This new space will give students opportunities to explore the performing art, express their creativity, and discover new talents.

Thank you to everyone who helped bring this space to life and create new opportunities for student to pursue their spark!✨

08/15/2026

🏫✨Back-to-school preparation is about more than notebooks and school supplies – it's also about making sure students can participate in the activities they love!

For the first time, Start 1 Spark hosted a sports clinical at Lucille M. Brown Middle School Panther Athletics & Activities Because students must complete a sports physical before they can try out for a school team, access to this service is critical to making sports participation possible. Thanks to PedsFirst and the University of Richmond School of Law volunteers for supporting this crucial back to school event.

Together, we're removing barriers and helping more students get ready to play, and pursue their spark.✨

08/13/2026

⛽✨Help us fuel the fun!

Snack kits are out #1 requested donation, and with school sports starting in September, we need your help keeping students energized and ready to play!

Volunteers can assemble snack kits and drop them off during one of our twice monthly fuel release dates. Every kit makes a difference by helping a student stay active, focused, and ready to pursue their spark.

Sign up for an upcoming drop-off date: https://www.cfengage.org/opportunity/a0CNw0000HBGtDiMQL/diy-snack-kits-for-student-athletes-2026-2027

08/11/2026

🐾✨Start 1 Spark is excited to welcome Lucille Brown Middle School to our community of school partners!

Through this new partnership, we'll work alongside Lucille Brown's dedicated teachers and staff to expand students' access to sports, music, arts, clubs, and creative spaces where they can build confidence and discover their strengths.

"If we have more people invested in our students' success, then they are more likely to be successful," shared drama techer Charles Ownby.

Read this month's Impact Story to learn more: https://www.start1spark.org/post/introducing-the-panthers-of-lucille-brown-middle-school