Holidays in the Bag to benefit new nonprofit in OTR

Black Friday shopping is just around the corner, and one way to participate and save—without leaving your Thanksgiving festivities early, and while also supporting small businesses and a local nonprofit—is through Over-the-Rhine Chamber’s Holidays in the Bag initiative.
 
Holidays in the Bag: A Black Friday Shop Local event, allows shoppers to receive discounts at more than 25 participating businesses through the purchase of an official “Holiday Bag” for $5. All proceeds from Holiday Bag sales benefit an OTR nonprofit.

This year’s beneficiary is Future Leaders OTR, a nonprofit that empowers OTR 7th-12th graders to transform themselves and their community through personal and professional development, in addition to leadership experiences.
 
“This program changes the paradigm for these kids in our neighborhood,” says Ryan Messer, founder of Future Leaders OTR. “Before all of this rebirth in OTR, they lived in a predominately African American community, and their exposure to the people coming in may have felt like, ‘Wow, all these people who are largely Caucasian are moving into my neighborhood,’ and I think what we’re showing them is there is opportunity through diversity.”
 
At the Holidays Kick Off Party last Tuesday, Future Leaders OTR engaged with other residents and local professionals, and it was an experience that Renàe Banks, Future Leaders OTR program manager, says inspired a confidence in the youth.
 
“It was quite amazing to see them walk in and someone ask them, ‘What is your name?’ Their head would be down, but then as the night progressed, they became more comfortable and more confident with what they had to say and were excited that people were inquiring about who they are and what they were doing,” Banks says.

“You saw a confidence come over them, and they went from standing at the booth to venturing off into the crowd to engage in conversation with other professionals," she continues. "When you put them in an environment where there’s professionalism, laughter, conversation about culture—they’ll reflect that.” 

Do Good:

•    Purchase a Holiday Bag, beginning November 26, to support Future Leaders OTR.

•    Like Future Leaders OTR on Facebook.

•    Spread the word about Future Leaders OTR, and if you know of an OTR youth who might be interested, or if you want to get involved, contact the organization.