Start 1 Spark

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Start 1 Spark Providing students in need access to school athletics, music, the arts, and clubs.

👕 New jerseys. New team pride. A stronger sense of belonging.For the Falling Creek Middle School cross country team, mat...
10/16/2026

👕 New jerseys. New team pride. A stronger sense of belonging.

For the Falling Creek Middle School cross country team, matching jerseys have been a long time coming! Until now, runners have worn a mix of old shirts passed down from the school's track and field team.

Thanks to Start 1 Spark, the team will finally have matching jerseys to call their own! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

But this story is about more than what students wear. It's about the friendships they build, the confidence they gain, and the feeling of being part of something bigger than themselves.

We're proud to help these runners show up with confidence and represent their team with pride!

❤️ See how new jerseys are helping Falling Creek runners come together.

👉 Read the full story: https://www.start1spark.org/post/more-than-a-uniform-falling-creek-middle-school-cross-country-team-finds-its-stride

🎃 Fuel for Fun Snack Kits — October Drop-Offs are coming up🎃This month, we’re feeling especially thrilled to support stu...
10/15/2026

🎃 Fuel for Fun Snack Kits — October Drop-Offs are coming up🎃

This month, we’re feeling especially thrilled to support student athletes and after-school programs through our Fuel for Fun Snack Kit initiative. Small acts—like packing a snack—can make a meaningful impact on a student’s day, helping fuel practices, performances, and learning beyond the classroom.

📍 Drop-Off Location:
8942 Quioccasin Rd, Henrico, VA

🗓️ Drop-Off Days:
• Monday, Oct. 19 | 4:00–5:30 PM
• Tuesday, Oct. 20 | 11:00 AM–1:00 PM

🧃 Each snack kit includes:
• One protein item (meat sticks, KIND bars, etc.)
• One fruit cup or applesauce pouch
• One chips, pretzels, or popcorn snack
• One encouraging note focused on teamwork, perseverance, or feeling supported

Community support makes these moments possible—and we’re grateful for everyone who helps remove barriers so students can thrive. Thank you for helping us spark confidence and opportunity 🎃

You're invited!We are hosting our first ever Community Connector event! Please stop by, meet the people behind the missi...
10/12/2026

You're invited!

We are hosting our first ever Community Connector event! Please stop by, meet the people behind the mission, hear directly from school staff and volunteers, and find where you fit in.

What to expect:

- Welcome & a short presentation on our story
- Panel discussion with a principal, teacher, and volunteer who share their experience
- Table tour to see our projects in action
- Learn how to get involved

We're excited to have you!

Date and time: November 5, 6pm - 7:30
Location: 100 Nova Way, Regency Mall
Price: FREE!
Register: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/start1spark/event/communityconnectorevent/

Thank you to Richmond's WNRN for sponsoring this event!

Today we are highlighting one very special woman -- Sherry Parker. Sherry has been passionate about volunteering through...
10/08/2026

Today we are highlighting one very special woman -- Sherry Parker.

Sherry has been passionate about volunteering throughout her entire life. She began volunteering at St. Mary's Hospital, and since then has volunteered on PTAs, PTSOs, and now Start 1 Spark!

Through Start 1 Spark, Sherry has assembled countless snack kits, organized and prepared an entire music room for students, and volunteered with the Zoomie Car Show.

When asked about her experience volunteering with Start 1 Spark, she said "Start 1 Spark is a fantastic organization to help kids to further do things.” She followed this by saying "whenever the next project comes up, I'm there to help!"

Read more about her giving heart here: https://www.start1spark.org/volunteer-spotlight

Today is National Coaches Day -- and we are highlighting John Rolfe Middle School's Coach Scott Rizzi. As the head coach...
10/06/2026

Today is National Coaches Day -- and we are highlighting John Rolfe Middle School's Coach Scott Rizzi.

As the head coach of boy's soccer and assistant coach of track and field, Coach Rizzi's impact is noticable for the students at John Rolfe.

We spoke to students that are currently on Coach Rizzi's soccer team. One student told us that Coach Rizzi "keeps the team disciplined." Another, an 8th grader, shared: "Rizzi is such a great coach, and I will miss him when I move on to high school."

Thank you to Coach Rizzi and to all coaches for inspiring our young student-athletes!

✨Monthly Spark✨When this student started at Lucille M. Brown Middle School Panther Athletics & Activities School, she wa...
10/01/2026

✨Monthly Spark✨

When this student started at Lucille M. Brown Middle School Panther Athletics & Activities School, she was looking for a place where she could feel connected. She found it in the drama department.

Now an 8th grader, she loves that everyone knows each other, looks out for one another, and makes room for everyone to be part of the community. Through improv and musical theater, she’s not only discovered a love for performing—she’s discovered more about herself, too. With every rehearsal and performance, her confidence has grown.

For this spark, drama became more than an after-school activity. It became a place to belong—and a place to become more confident in who she is.

Please consider donating used sports gear! Bring gently used soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, wrestling, and trac...
09/29/2026

Please consider donating used sports gear! Bring gently used soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, wrestling, and track gear to our tent at the Superhero 5K and Family Festival!

Help us to help middle school students stay active and represent their school -- even one or two items can make a big impact!

🗓️ 8am-11am -- Sunday, October 4, 2026
📌Westchester Commons Main St, Midlothian, VA 23113

As Autumn begins and we settle into the school year, we would like to reintroduce ourselves! We are Start 1 Spark, a non...
09/22/2026

As Autumn begins and we settle into the school year, we would like to reintroduce ourselves!

We are Start 1 Spark, a nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating financial pressure around extracurricular activities in Richmond-region middle schools, so every student has the chance to try something new and find their Spark! ✨

Learn how YOU can ignite potential at two upcoming events:
📅 October 4th, 8-11am at the Superhero 5K
📅 November 5th, 6-7:30pm at our Community Connector

Address

8942 Quioccasin Road
Henrico, VA
23229

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