WNRN is proud to give our non-profit neighbors a venue to promote their causes and events. As part of the Community Connection series, we broadcast public service announcements for non-profits that are written in their words and recorded in their voice.
The rules: Organizations profiled by WNRN or organizations whose information is broadcast within Hear Together/Community Connections must be a registered 501c3. If it is an event, WNRN requires at least a month’s advance notice to create a Community Connection for any event. If there is an admission or cost for the event, 100% of proceeds must benefit the nonprofit. Hear Together/Community Connections is a non-partisan, non-biased feature and will not accept submissions from or conduct profiles of political organizations or activities representing or contributing to a specific political organization or political action committee. Hear Together/Community Connections is non-denominational and will not accept submissions from or conduct profiles of specific religious groups or fundraisers tied to specific religious groups or organizations. We will accept submissions that are inter-faith or multi-denominational that support the community at large in collaboration without promoting a specific religious group or activity related to funding a specific religion or religious group.
Creating a Community Connection is an easy process. To request a time to record your message, email dmoses@wnrn.org. During scheduling, you’ll be prompted to write a message outlining what you’d like to promote, which we’ll use as your script for recording. We look forward to working with you!
Community Connection: ALS Association Ride to Defeat ALS
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis—also known as Lou Gehrig Disease—is 100% fatal with no known cause or cure. As a person living with ALS, Stephen Greer understands firsthand how this neurological disease impacts the entire family. This year around 30,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with ALS, and most lose their battle within two to five years.
On Saturday, May 4th, The ALS Association is hosting their annual fundraiser, the Blue Ridge Ride to Defeat ALS at Pro Re Nata Brewery in Crozet. They invite cyclists and all supporters to join them for 100K, 50K, and 25K road routes. Sag support, lunch, and a specialty brew on tap will be provided. Fundraising incentives are also available. All proceeds benefit the ALS Association, the highest non-profit funder of ALS research in the world outside of the U.S. Federal Government.
Community Connection: ReadyKids
ReadyKids is a Charlottesville-based nonprofit that provides youth trauma counseling, family support, and early learning opportunities to participants.
Last year, they reached 4,445 kids, families, and early childhood educators in Central Virginia. Through evidence-based, trauma-informed programming, they are working towards a future where every child is learning, healthy, and safe.
Community Connection: Richmond Bluegrass Jam
The Richmond Bluegrass Jam invites you to join them on Saturday, May 4, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for their 13th annual event featuring 14 local bluegrass and Americana bands playing on two stages. Open jam areas will also be available. The event will take place at American Legion Post 354 in Midlothian, on the banks of the James River, and all proceeds go to support military families through the Richmond Fisher House and Liberation Veteran Services.
Community Connection: Fit4Kids Eat and Greet
Greater Richmond Fit4Kids is a nonprofit in the Richmond area that is dedicated to improving children’s health and wellness through physical activity and healthy eating.
They are hosting Eat and Greet in Richmond on Friday, May 17th from 6:30-9:30pm. This year’s theme is “back to school” and attendees can enjoy live music and engagement stations showcasing Fit4Kids’ work with students reaching more than 40 schools across the Richmond region. All tickets include food, drinks, and entertainment and guests must be 21 or older to attend.
Community Connection: YMCA of Central VA John Bell Memorial Bike Ride
The YMCA in Lynchburg invites you to join your friends and fellow cyclists in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Central Virginia on Sunday, May 19th for the 15th annual Storming of Thunder Ridge – The John Bell Memorial bicycle ride. This event offers fellowship and challenge for every cyclist’s ability with a choice of five route lengths, ranging from 27 to 100 miles, allowing you to ride your bicycle at your own pace along well-marked country roads. This is a fully-supported ride with rest stops every 15-20 miles, and SAG vehicles along the route.
Registration helps fund various community outreach programs at the YMCA of Central Virginia. More information is online at YMCACVA.org/storming-thunder-ridge.
Community Connection: Junior League of Richmond Book and Author Event
The Junior League of Richmond is a nonprofit organization of women committed to the mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
They are hosting the 79th Annual Book & Author Event on Thursday, May 2nd and invite you to join them virtually or in-person at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture to hear from a panel of six distinguished authors. There will also be a luncheon and book signing event with the authors earlier that day.
Proceeds support the mission of the Junior League of Richmond.
Community Connection: Oakland School Summer Camps
For 75 summers, Oakland School in Troy’s day and sleepaway camp has been a destination for young learners who want to supercharge their academic skills and grow in confidence, combining academics with the joys of traditional summer fun.
At Summer Camp at Oakland School, kids can dive into nature on a 450-acre farm, saddle up for riding lessons, practice their swimming skills, and engage in field sports, archery, and art activities—all while attaining just under 60 hours of phonics, reading and writing, and nearly 25 hours of math instruction in personalized, small classroom settings.
For those seeking an immersive experience, their summer boarding program is designed to foster independence, teamwork, and lifelong friendships – while enhancing organizational and executive functioning skills.
They welcome you to join them for an upcoming Open House event to discover firsthand how Oakland School and Camp can help transform your child’s academic journey.
Community Connection: Jones Gardens Nourishing Strides 5k
Jones Gardens are a nonprofit in Staunton with the mission to nourish and unify communities with the creation of vibrant urban garden spaces.
On Saturday, May 11th they’re hosting their Nourishing Strides 5K fundraiser at Montgomery Hall Park at 9AM. Participants can walk or run through the trails and fields of this historic park.
All proceeds support their community garden operations in Staunton and help bring fresh, affordable food to our local community.
Community Connection: Montessori School of Charlottesville Truck Touch
Montessori School of Charlottesville is hosting their annual Truck Touch event on Saturday, May 4th from 10AM-1PM at Fairview Swim Club. This family-friendly event allows children to explore some of their favorite trucks and will be their reintroduction as they have not held a Truck Touch since pre-2020!
There will also be food vendors, face painting, a strider bike course and more activities.
All proceeds from this event will go toward increasing their scholarship fund so that they can continue to broaden access to early childhood education in our community!
