Jennifer Gilbert was the third grade teacher, and all-time favorite teacher, for both of our boys so we were thrilled to be able to participate in the Charity Project twice. Our older son collected books for a low income school in Philadelphia and was able to provide over 500 books for summer reading for their students. His project was so successful that the following year it was continued by his classmate’s Girl Scout Troop. Our younger son made homemade ice cream to raise money for Heifer International. Both boys confidence skyrocketed in their ability to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. The Charity Project was a great opportunity to teach our children compassion and generosity.
~Amanda Hines
The Charity project was an excellent way to encourage the children to become involved in something outside of their every day lives, and to help their world community. It provided an opportunity for them learn about a cause or an organization, they might not otherwise have had exposure to, in a fun way. The project was a huge success in our class, and something I wish every third grade could participate in.
~Ambler Selway
Mrs. Gilbert is one of the most thoughtful, and engaging teachers my children have ever been lucky enough to have. She provides not only a comfortable learning environment, but a place where the children felt part of a larger community. She was firm when needed, and kind and caring always.
The Giving Project for Children is a powerful way to awaken the spirit of
~Juliette DeTemple
philanthropy in our younger learners. Mrs. Gilbert has created an expert curriculum that can easily be scaled and implemented in every classroom. Our son discovered, at the age of 9, that he can contribute to the world and that his voice had power. Our family watched as this “kid” brought clean water to remote regions in Africa and we understood that “kids these days” can do incredible things when they are empowered by adults who guide them to reach their goals.
“My daughter embraced the charity project right from the get-go. A couple years earlier, her uncle had a devastating mountain biking accident that rendered him a quadriplegic. So, choosing a project was pretty easy. Tessa chose Inglis House because they aid people with disabilities like his. As a parent, I was fascinated to see my eight year old take on a school year long project and I loved the skills she learned. The project required each child to select a charity, then write and execute their fundraising plan. She initially wanted to host bake sales to raise money but I put the kibosh on that explaining that I’d rather write a check instead of spending time and money on shopping, baking and selling – essentially too much work for me and too little return for her charity. I suggested she give people her elevator speech and ask them for money. Her response probably went something like ‘My what.. And really Mom, people will just give me money?’. Yes.
Through this project, Tessa learned what it takes to plan, execute and achieve a goal. It taught her how to speak to adults, the value of money, and it gave her an appreciation for the work done by Inglis House along with the extraordinary challenges facing people with severe physical disabilities. She learned that asking for a dollar is helpful, but that it won’t go very far. She memorized her pitch and figured out how to ask for larger donations.
Tessa continued fundraising for Inglis after the project had ended. She loved the feeling of pride she had each time she delivered donations to Inglis or attended their events. Inglis House was so impressed by Tessa and her efforts that they nominated her for the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Tessa was presented with the award during the 30th Annual National Philanthropy Day Awards Gala Luncheon. Her speech in front of this large audience brought tears to my eyes, her principal and her most special teacher, Mrs. Jennifer Gilbert.”
~Megan Mahoney
Jenn Gilbert was my daughter’s 3rd grade teacher. My daughter is the youngest of four and many of my children’s teachers have been wonderful in many ways, but Mrs. Gilbert’s energy, positivity, genuine caring and supportive approach is beyond incredible.
From an academic vantage, Mrs. Gilbert not only taught the children the curriculum, but regularly provided the students with unique problem solving skills that were presented as rhymes, songs or secrets that the children loved. Mrs. Gilbert would routinely remember details about her students world outside the classroom and ask students about their families, travels and experiences. I cannot say enough about how grateful I am that my daughter had the opportunity to be in Mrs. Gilbert’s class.
The charity project was an outstanding experience for the students and their families. Initially my daughter questioned whether she could successfully undertake such a project. As the year proceeded and together Mrs. Gilbert and the class discussed the project, my daughter was excited about doing it! Discussing community service, fundraising and charity causes with my child and how she could make a difference was very rewarding and uplifting. Once she completed the project she shared her accomplishments with friends and family with pride. The end-of-year presentation and recognition of service was a terrific opportunity for the students to share their successes, speak publicly and for their families to learn about what the class had accomplished. It was the highlight of my daughter’s grade school experience. My daughter had begun fundraising for Breast Cancer Research prior to The Giving Project, but participating in the effort inspired her to share her enthusiasm with other children and over the next 24 months led to the launch of a national charity campaign that has been in local news all over the nation, national news, and has raised over $50,000 for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation as of Nov. 2019.
~Kim Rhodes, The Pink Lemonade Stand Challenge
