A Face Behind the Foundation :
Paul Ardire Discusses Why He and His Friends Started Bulldogs Care Foundation and Where They Hope to Lead it
For me, one of the most rewarding things about working with BCF has been providing underprivileged teenagers with opportunities to achieve their potential through academics and athletics. We started BCF in late 2006 in memory of four Yale classmates who passed away in a car accident. Along with several friends and classmates, we started a charity that would provide new experiences for underprivileged students, opportunities that all four of our friends were afforded during their teenage years.
BCF had a very successful inaugural gala which was attended by 420 people and raised over $150,000. We are supported by a young and energetic 15-member Board and 30-member Event Committee. The Board sees tremendous room for growth since the momentum surrounding BCF is incredible. We plan on increasing our granting efforts by 50% every year for the next five years, and will not be satisfied until we reach our goal of providing $1 million in grants to underprivileged children each year!
As President, my main responsibilities include fundraising, organizing volunteers, and motivating Board Members. I earned a B.A. in Economics from Yale University in 2002 and currently work as Head of Research for Deutsche Bank's Senior Debt Trading Desk. Although I have an extremely busy schedule, I truly enjoy spending time to spread the message about our fantastic mission. I also enjoy spending time with my fellow board members, many of whom are among my best friends. But most important, I was so pleased to see how happy people were to attend our first event, including the family and friends of the young men for whom the charity was founded.
If you are interested in volunteering for a good cause, please email Darren Port to get involved.
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