SCHULENBURG — Christmas came a little early this year as BRIDGE celebrated its five- year anniversary with the theme “Christmas in July” on July 11, in Schulenburg.
BRIDGE, which stands for Building Resilience Inclusion Diversity and Growth through Education, started as a grassroots response to the need for deeper conversations about culture, diversity, and community resilience.
It has evolved into a nonprofit dedicated to advancing fairness in education, health access, and community support across rural and underserved areas. BRIDGE serves several counties, including Bastrop, Colorado, Fayette, Lavaca and Travis.
Board members are Rebecca Powe, co-founder and executive director; LaToya Ray, co-founder and interim treasurer; and Jeremy Castleberry, Crystal Flores, Lisa Maynes, and Michael Joseph Jr.
"Celebrating five years of BRIDGE with our Christmas in July fundraiser showed us just how deeply invested this community is in its own growth. I am incredibly moved by the community involvement and the clear vision for expanded resources in our rural areas. Seeing this level of support guarantees that we will continue to champion education, health, and community empowerment for many more years to come,” said Flores.
The event was festively decorated and featured raf- fles, local vendors, games, painting, and a meet-andgreet with the board.
Refreshments and barbecue plates were sold in memory of active board member Kathleen Williamson, who died in a car accident in January.
"Celebrating five years is more than marking a milestone. It is celebrating the people, partnerships, and communities that have made our mission possible. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported BRIDGE along the way. Together, we are building stronger, healthier, and more connected rural communities, and we look forward to continuing this journey for many years to come,” said Powe.
To also celebrate their five-year milestone, they have launched their own Christmas in July fundraiser with a big goal of $125,000.
And you are in luck because there’s still time to make a difference. BRIDGE has extended its Christmas in July fundraiser through Dec. 25.
Every donation helps BRIDGE continue to create opportunities and expand access to resources in rural communities.
Your donations to BRIDGE’s programs will help contribute to these upcoming programs: Back-to-School hygiene and cleaning kit giveaway in collaboration with the Flatonia, La Grange, and Schulenburg Food Pantries, Books Build BRIDGEs reading literacy program, BRIDGE Mental Health Youth Conference, Greater Fayette County Military Coalition, Transportation, Financial Literacy, Housing, and other rural community needs.
To learn more about BRIDGE or make your tax-deductible donation today, visit bridgerural.org and help us continue building stronger, healthier, and more connected rural communities.
