The Phoenix AKARAMA Foundation, Inc.

 

The Phoenix AKARAMA Foundation was formed in 1994 to provide charitable contributions to the Greater Phoenix community. Its signature fundraising event, Fashionetta, has raised over $150,000 for college scholarships awarded to deserving African American girls.  Proceeds from AKARAMA’s fund raising efforts also support award winning service programs in the African American community in the areas of health, economics, entrepreneurship, technology, and family.  The Phoenix AKARAMA Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization.  All donations are tax-deductible. (Federal Tax ID number:  86-0774093).   

 

The generous contributions of caring corporate and community partners, added to the concentrated, grassroots efforts of the Foundation, enable AKARAMA to touch the lives of countless children and families, aspiring college students, and senior citizens in the Phoenix Area. 

 

The mission of the AKARAMA Foundation is to raise and award funds for programs that advance leadership development, encourage academic excellence, improve health, support those in need, and educate about the value of philanthropy.  Current community service programs include:

 

•  Fashionetta Scholarship Breakfast and Fashion Show – This is AKARAMA’s signature fundraising event.  Held annually on the first Saturday in December, it has been a Phoenix tradition for nearly three decades and is regularly attended by over 800 people.  This year’s event, “Fashionetta 2012 - A Morning of Elegance”, will occur on December 1, 2012 at the J.W. Marriott Desert Ridge Resort.  Proceeds from Fashionetta are used to fund the Foundation’s many service programs.  Scholarships are awarded at the annual Scholarship Luncheon every May.  For more information about the 2012 Fashionetta, please visit the Fashionetta Webpage here.  
•  Historically Black College & University (HBCU) Fair – This annual event is co-hosted by AKARAMA and Phoenix Community College every September.  Over 400 high school students from Phoenix Metropolitan area high schools attend along with their parents and/or counselors.  College recruiters and local alumni from many historically Black Colleges and Universities host information tables and workshops are held that address many issues that future college students face.  Students receive financial aid and scholarship information packages.
•  Family Programs – Initiatives include charitable donations of food, clothing, and toys to low income, underserved minorities, and Adopt-A-Family programs at Thanksgiving and Christmas.  This year, first aid care packages were donated to benefit families in underdeveloped countries through Project Cure.
• Health Forums – The Foundation hosts a community health forum annually to address physical and mental health issues prevalent in the African American community.  This year’s forum was held in partnership with First Institutional Baptist Church and was entitled “Taking Personal Responsibility”.  Workshop topics included:  stress management, healthcare reform, diet & nutrition, heart health, and emotional health.  AKARAMA volunteers also support annual walks such as the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk for the Cure and the Arizona Heart Association Heart Walk.
• Youth Development Programs – AKARAMA partners with schools and community centers to offer programs for inner city and underprivileged students.  Current programs include:
  • Academy of Excellence Charter School – AKARAMA hosts reading, writing, and math tutoring programs to help at-risk students improve academically.  Middle school students attend workshop presentations on issues such as self-esteem, personal development, hygiene and self image, money management, public speaking, study skills, and goal setting.
  • Keys Community Center – AKARAMA provides tutorial assistance to improve literacy among at-risk students via after school programs.
  • MLK Math & Science Academy - Students in 4^th through 8^th grade learn by participating in innovative “hands-on and minds-on” curriculum to stimulate practical learning.  
  • Partners in Math & Science Workshop (PIMS) – This annual summer camp, co-hosted by AKARAMA, is held at Arizona State University each July.  Middle and high school students are taught critical thinking skills through the use of computer programming language and attend life skills workshops.

 

Support opportunities are available in the form of sponsorship, monetary donations, raffle gifts, and Fashionetta ticket purchases.  For more information, please contact:

 

Attn: Dorothy Finnie

The Phoenix AKARAMA Foundation

P.O. Box 64971

Phoenix, AZ  85082

1-877-624-1994

www.phxakarama.org

 

 

 

2011 Fashionetta Sponsors

 

Gold Sponsors

 

Silver Sponsors

 

Table Sponsors