In the spring of 2020, Freda Fund had planned a return to its roots in Detroit, Michigan (Freda Needelman's hometown) to host several fundraising events and honor local foster youth at their high school graduation. Due to the COVID pandemic, we switched gears and reinvented our celebrations.
Freda Fund honored its origins and recognized the accomplishments of the Class of 2020 by safely distributing gifts to graduates at Oak Park High School and in Washtenaw County Youth & Family Services.
Freda Fund Founder Phyllis Needelman wrote to the graduates, "Today is a milestone that you should be very proud of, as our community is of you...I'm so looking forward to seeing how this class changes the world. Good luck and try to keep your vision in 2020. If the road gets blurry, get a new prescription for a better way to see your future."
Words of gratitude from gift recipients
Thank you for the gift. I really appreciate that someone thought of me. I can’t wait to display my cup in my dorm room.
Michael D.
Thank you so much for the gift. With the pandemic
a lot of us were not able to participate in the tradition of receiving gifts from loved ones for their big milestone. It is amazing to see others take the initiative to provide the seniors with at least some kind of support. Thank you!
Arieanna
Thank you so much, I really liked the quote by Dr. Martin Luther King! It felt really good to get a graduation gift from your organization because we can’t have a prom or graduation ceremony because of this “darn” COVID19!! Thank you again!
D. M.
I want to say thank you so much. It really feels good to be supported. This school year has been rough.
I can’t wait to show off my cup. Thank You.
Michael R.
Thank you so much for this opportunity to receive a gift from you! This means so much to me, and I can't even begin to explain how much good you are possibly giving and sending to all of these students. I want to personally thank you for the cup. I love the positivity that's surrounded on the cup by the Martin Luther King Jr. quote, and the cute keychain was a surprising and thoughtful touch that was very much appreciated. Thank you so much for your own kindness and positivity, especially during these difficult times.
Jing
At Oak Park, I was a student athlete. I was a part of the National Honors Society, as well as a track and field athlete. I am always striving to go further in life, and I aspire to be the best at whatever I do. I am living proof that if you put your mind to something you truly believe in, nothing can stop you.
Thank you for your contributions to Oak Park High School.
Corey K.
I began attending the high school in 10th grade. As academics were a top priority for me, all my hard work in the classroom allowed me to finish magna cum laude. Extracurriculars made my high school experience more enjoyable as I was Vice President of student council and my participation in track and field led me to became a regional, county, and state champion as well as an All-American.
I would like to personally thank you for your contributions to my school.
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Kourtney K.