Blacksburg Millennials Share Tech-Savvy Talents With Non-Profit Community

Colin Lord

Saturday was a mild, early spring day in Blacksburg but inside, hunched over computer screens, a 12-hour giving-back-to-the-community design and development marathon was unfolding as more than 50 tech-savvy millennials donated their day to team up and pool their creative abilities.

The result when it ended was newly designed and updated public relations resources for 18 non-profit organizations, tools to utilize and help them promote their groups.

Welcome to the third annual “Make a Mark,” an event that brings together a wide-ranging pool of talented professionals from within the local technology community in the shadow of Virginia Tech University, known for turning out countless computer gurus. Reporter Paris Holmes at VirginiaFirst.com wrote:

54 different local web developers, illustrators, videographers, and other creatives  divided up into teams to make new websites, mobile applications, logos and other marketing materials for 18 different local non-profits.

This group of millennials, all too willing to help the world around them by sharing their biggest assets of time and talent, shows the generous side of an often-maligned generation.

Tim Tebow hosts ‘Night to Shine’ Valentine proms tonight for special needs students

By Lynn R. Mitchell

“Night to Shine.” Worldwide. 15,000 volunteers. Countless smiles. Overflowing love. Tonight.

Tim Tebow is an impressive young man. Besides his athletic skills on a football field, he has a heart of gold and has proven it throughout the years. As his income has grown, he has shared and given back in many ways, some of which I have written about in the past (see Tim Tebow: Christian, role model, athlete and Tim Tebow Foundation helping Philippines victims and Mother’s Day 2012 … Tim Tebow and his mom).

This Valentine’s Day he will once again help others with “Night to Shine” proms (see Tim Tebow’s Valentine’s game plan: Special needs proms throughout nation):

On Feb. 13, a parade of special guests, each with an entourage and some requiring special accommodations, will appear at the non-denominational church for a night Fasano vows they will never forget. The church is one of dozens across the country taking part in “Night to Shine,” a prom-style evening of dining and dancing for special needs teenagers organized by the foundation of former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow. The same scenario is playing out at 49 other churches in 26 states as well as Amazing Grace International Ministries, in Nairobi, Kenya, and Ekisa Ministries, in Jinja, Uganda.

Tebow, 27, a devout Christian who quarterbacked the Florida Gators to two national championships and won the Heisman Trophy before a brief NFL career, said the special night will honor teens who struggle with a variety of disabilities.