by Susan Slater
President Bill Schroder spoke to Community News about The Perfect 10 Charity’s purpose. It was formed in memory of Justin Inversso, who was struck by lightning and killed at Adventure Island while clearing children from the water. Justin was not originally scheduled to work that day; he was covering for someone else.
On Friday, September 9, 2011, Justin celebrated his 21st birthday. He reportedly told young people, “It is necessary to get right with God because you never know when a life-threatening situation will come up.” The next day, Saturday, September 10, 2011, was his life-threatening situation. His mother described him as “the perfect 10,” which inspired the charity’s name.
Schroder wanted to do something meaningful in Justin’s memory. After exploring fundraising options, he found that many operations retained most of the money raised. Believing the community could do better, he and others started The Perfect 10 with all volunteers. A central belief behind the charity’s work is that illiteracy is a severe and widespread disease that can be cured through education. Reading is essential for children’s long-term success.
The charity’s main emphasis is on children. Toys, bikes, and helmets are rewards for improving their reading skills. Their two major fundraisers are an April Fool’s Open for Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club members and the East Pasco Toy Drive. Other focuses are food and supplies to local charities, fire stations, police stations, prisons, and community partners depending on need. Also, Shop with a Cop by providing bikes, helmets, and toys for participating children.
The Moose Lodge is one of the toy drive’s biggest supporters holding an annual car show to raise money. The charity also receives holiday donations from individuals and organizations. The organization currently works with 10 schools that have significant literacy needs. Schools are adopted and stories are read to children. Toys are given as incentives to complete work and earn points in school stores.
The program is now transitioning toward the second grade because teachers believe second-grade students may be more receptive to learning. For the coming school year, six schools will include both second and third grade classes, with four additional schools expected to transition the following year. Under the new approach, every student who is below grade level and reaches grade level may receive a new bike and helmet. Schroder said, “Our goal is not 50 percent improvement, but 100 percent.”
Helmets come through a program sponsored by Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Schroder is a trained helmet fitter, fitting each helmet properly before it is given away. Recent bike costs have increased significantly, from approximately $49 each to about $80 each. Despite rising costs, Bill said the charity will raise the money needed to provide bikes for children who meet reading goals.
The charity is encouraging businesses and community groups to adopt schools. Schroder described the ideal partner as a business or organization that gets children excited about reading. Publix and Walmart have adopted schools. The goal is to demonstrate measurable results, expand support, and keep Justin’s legacy alive by helping children read, learn, and succeed.
Contact The Perfect 10 Charity on their contact page at www.theperfect10charity.com.♥
