Community Connection

Richmond Court Appointed Special Advocates volunteers, otherwise known as CASA volunteers, are everyday citizens who serve as court advocates for children before the Juvenile Court who have been abused or neglected.

CASA is currently accepting applications for their spring training class – you could make a difference in a child’s life. Richmond CASA is a program of Greater Richmond SCAN. For more information, you can email their volunteer coordinator at volunteer@grscan.com or go online.

The James River Outdoor Coalition is a nonprofit volunteer organization in Richmond that is focused on improving access to the James River park system by creating universal access points, maintaining hiking trails, and more.

On Saturday, April 22nd from 9:30-2pm they are hosting a gear swap at Bryant Park. You are invited to get rid of your old outdoor gear or find something new to take home. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the James River Park System.

More information is online at jroc.net.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Virginia, also known as NAMI Virginia, is a nonprofit that promotes recovery and improves the quality of life for Virginians living with serious mental illness through support, education, and advocacy.

On Thursday, June 29^th and Friday, June 30^th, NAMI is hosting their annual statewide Mental Health Conference and Youth Summit at the Delta by Marriott in Chesapeake. Speakers include mental health experts and panels include peers of all demographics. The Conference and Summit are open to the public, but registration is required.

More information is on their website namivirginia.org.

The Skirt Project is a women’s empowerment and body positivity movement by Amanda Shrader Photography.

The Skirt Project is hosting the second annual Brunch with Beauties charity event on Sunday, April 30th at Massanutten Creek in Luray. Guests can enjoy a catered brunch, find inspiration from guest speakers, spread positivity, and shop with female-owned businesses and artisans. There are also still opportunities for your business to participate in the Brunch with Beauties event!

Proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society and Valley Children’s Advocacy Center. You can find more information online at theskirtproject.com.

The Wayne Theatre in Downtown Waynesboro is presenting a production of the musical comedy, Little Shop of Horrors, from Friday, April 28th – Sunday, April 30th and Friday, May 5th -Sunday, May 7th. Alongside a singing cast of characters, this production will feature puppets that will take over the stage.

The Wayne Theatre offers diverse entertainment and enrichment opportunities for audiences and learners of all ages. All proceeds from ticket sales assist in their goal of continuing to bring quality performances, concerts, classes, and programs to the local community and beyond.

You can learn more about Little Shop of Horrors and other upcoming events and classes at the Wayne Theatre by visiting waynetheatre.org.

The Wayne Theatre is a proud financial supporter of WNRN.

The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design is a nonprofit museum in Richmond that explores the impact of design in everyday life, inspiring individuals and communities to create a more equitable, beautiful, and productive future. 

On Friday evening, April 14^th, the museum is hosting a Mad Hatter Garden Party with a live auction of design experiences and works from local designers and creatives. The Garden Party also includes installations by RVA Fashion week’s Emerging Designers and an award for the attendee with the most inventive hat. All proceeds benefit the Branch Museum and helps support local designers.

More information is available on their website, branchmuseum.org.

The Village School, middle school for girls in Charlottesville, is a place for girls to discover their strengths, find their voices, and grow into confident, self-reliant, and intellectually curious learners.

The school is hosting the 12th annual Girls Excelling in Math Tournament at Walker Upper Elementary School on Saturday, April 29^th. School-based teams of 4th through 8th grade girls across Charlottesville and Albemarle will come together to compete in solving math and engineering problems. Dr. Kathryn Thornton, faculty at UVA Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and member of the Astronaut Hall of Fame, will be a guest speaker.

The GEM Tournament aims to provide a fun, challenging mathematics experience for all Charlottesville girls that will spark a love of math that will stay with them throughout their lifetimes.

For more information, you can go to their website, villageschool.us, and click on “GEM.”

Virginia Arts Festival is a nonprofit summer performing arts festival in Coastal Virginia that programs and runs Norfolk’s newest concert venue, the Perry Pavilion, for a full summer concert series! Things will kick off with Josh Ritter on May 7th and continue into June with artists like Sierra Hull and Valerie June.

More information is online at vafest.org.

Virginia Arts Festival is a proud financial supporter of WNRN.

The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation in Richmond is having their 18th annual bike ride fundraiser. The Virginia Credit Union Cap2Cap presented by Dominion Energy, is taking place on Friday, May 12th and Saturday, May 13th. Participants can start at any time from any location to ride 25, 50, or 100 miles along the Virginia Capital Trail.  There will also be a Family Fun Ride, a 2-Day option, and a Shuttle Package for half-century riders.

Riders will be supported by mechanics and fully-stocked rest stops — and the Party Zone will include lunch, Bingo Beer, vendors, and music. Registration also includes a t-shirt, bib, water bottle, drawstring bag, and more. Proceeds from Cap2Cap help protect, promote, and enhance the Virginia Capital Trail.

For more information or to register, you can go to virginiacapitaltrail.org/cap2cap.

The Blue Ridge Free Clinic in Harrisonburg is a nonprofit, all-volunteer clinic that offers a bridge to health, no cost medical care, and medication assistance to anyone in need. The clinic is hosting a Night of Musical Medicine benefit concert on Saturday, May 6^th at Court Square Theater. All proceeds will support the Blue Ridge Free Clinic!

More information is available on the Court Square Theater website, or you can follow the Blue Ridge Free Clinic Facebook page.