THE PETER WESTBROOK FOUNDATION Making a Difference in the Lives of Children through Fencing 2014 Annual Report ANNUAL REPORT 2014 Table of Contents The Peter Westbrook Foundation, Inc. Executive Letter Page 4 is a not for profit organization that utilizes Program Goals Page 4 the principles and the sport of fencing as a vehicle to develop life skills in young PWF Programs Pages 5-6 people from underserved communities. Athlete Spotlight Page 7 Athletic Milestones Page 7 Community Corner Pages 8-11 Remembering Kamara James Page 12 Endowment Fund Page 13 Fundraising Accomplishments Page 14 Statement of Activities Page 14 Family of Sponsors Page 15 Board of Directors & Advisors Page 15 BoarBoard After two decades, the Peter Westbrook Foundation (PWF) continues to reshape the sport of fencing and make incredible contributions to our society. !3 Executive Letter At The Peter Westbrook Foundation, we live by the motto “one for all and all for one.” Even though it is a bit cliché, the sentiment behind this saying, if not the “At The Peter exact phrase itself, more than any other Westbrook Foundation captures the essence of our core values. we live by the motto ANNUAL REPORT There is no doubt in my mind that the ‘one for all and all for PWF would not have lasted for two years - never mind two decades - without the one.’ Even though it is a 2014 full commitment of everyone involved to this ideal. While the phrase might conjure bit cliché, the sentiment up visions of camaraderie, swashbuckling behind this saying, if not adventures and hijinks, we never forget that we must live this ideal fully. That the exact phrase itself, means that we must be “one for all and more than any other all for one” in both good times and bad. captures the essence of The PWF family has experienced its fair share of both over the past 20 or so our core values.” years. We’ve been extremely lucky to have experienced considerably more good times than bad. Those moments are easy to share and participate in. But the arrival of bad times surely tests our commitment to our motto. In her relentless pursuit of excellence, Kamara exemplified everything that the Unfortunately, one very severe test came PWF stands for. Her example inspires recently with the sudden and unexpected everyone in our organization to work passing of Kamara Latoya James, age harder to help other kids with big dreams 29. Kamara was an incredible person in reach the same heights that Kamara did every way imaginable. (You will learn and maybe even go beyond them. This is more about her amazing story elsewhere what Kamara would have wanted, and it in this annual report.) is the most fitting way to celebrate her wonderful life and her enduring impact on Her untimely death was a devastating our organization and the broader Peter Westbrook, blow to her family and to our PWF family. community. Founder & CEO Yet in the midst of the sadness, it was deeply gratifying to witness the In the pages that follow you will read outpouring of love from all of Kamara’s quite a bit about what we are doing and friends from around the country and our plans to help create the next around the world. More importantly, we generation of achievers like Kamara. But were humbled and grateful that her family for now, let me just say thank you for allowed and encouraged PWF staff and your support. We are so happy that the Thank you for your family members to play an active role in “all” in our motto includes you. her memorial services. support. Program Goals The primary objectives of the year-round program are to help • Foster a sense of community inspired by a common love of young people to: fencing. • Equip themselves with the life skills that enable them to take Fencing is an ideal educational tool because it promotes the control of their futures development of integrity, honorable personal conduct, patience • Strive for academic excellence and respect for others. Above all, fencing promotes intellectual • Develop leadership skills growth and maturity, because it challenges the individual to • Build self confidence think both tactically and strategically to solve problems and • Gain exposure to people from diverse cultural and overcome obstacles. socioeconomic backgrounds • Learn about healthy living • Develop their sense of civic duty and community service !4 ANNUAL REPORT 2014 PWF Programs semester report cards. This allows us to identify students who Participants could benefit from the Academic Enrichment Program as well as those students whose academic standing make them Girls and boys between the ages of 8 and 18 are eligible for the potential candidates for scholarship and internship programs program. Currently, most participants are residents of made available to the PWF. underserved communities and from single-parent households within the five boroughs of New York City, Long Island, In spite of (or perhaps because of) the rigor and high Westchester County and New Jersey. Approximately 85% of expectations of the PWF, the program increases in popularity the participants are African-American and Latino youth, with the every year. Indeed, total enrollment in the program has reached a staggering 221 students for the 2014-2015 season. Weekly remaining 15% being of Asian and Caucasian descent. attendance ranges from 125 to 150 students and our waiting list continues to grow with more than 130 applicants eagerly Saturday Fencing Program awaiting an open spot the following year. The Saturday Fencing Program is the cornerstone of all the After School Leadership Program PWF programs. It includes basic and advanced fencing instruction as well as all academic programs. Enrollment is An elite squad of approximately 40 athletes, who show open to anyone between the ages of 9 and 18 on a first-come, remarkable talent and motivation, are selected for our After first-serve basis. School Leadership Program. Athletes train year-round in this program and adopt a professional training regimen of 4-6 days Classes are held weekly from 9:00 am to noon. The PWF per week, which is designed to prepare them for domestic and provides all necessary equipment, and prior skills are not international competitions. All participants in the program are expected. Saturday Fencing provides a thorough grounding in awarded scholarships to defray the costs of fencing club the fundamentals of the sport for beginners and an opportunity memberships, coaching, competition fees and equipment. for developing fencers to hone their skills before entering the world of competitive fencing. Students are arranged in age- and The athletes are required to attend monthly meetings skills-appropriate groups where, in addition to building an conducted by the training staff and a summer training camp, understanding of proper fencing technique, footwork and sword maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average, as well as play, they are expected to provide peer-to-peer feedback and volunteer their time to mentor younger fencers in the Saturday support. The teaching staff is comprised of current and future Fencing Program. PWF Olympians, national champions and national team members. Each session begins with a rigorous group warm up Athletes are trained by the Foundation’s international roster of that includes aerobic and fencing-specific exercises, followed coaches, comprised of Olympians and instructors with by group and individual training with the students’ weapons of extensive competitive and athlete development experience. choice. Each coach acts as a mentor by monitoring each student’s academic performance to ensure that athletes are balancing The PWF believes in taking a holistic approach to youth their responsibilities to study as hard in school as they train in development. In addition to offering a first-class athletic the fencing gym. Coaches also chaperone athletes during trips experience, our staff serve as a mentor base for our students to domestic and international competitions, often acting as a and are available to assist and offer guidance in any number of motivator, cheerleader, friend and counselor to their students. areas ranging from fencing to academic and career development. We regularly supplement our internal collective Our After School Leadership Program has become experience and expertise with that of individuals from the internationally known for producing some of the world’s best broader community who participate in our guest speaker fencers. In the span of one generation, the PWF's After School program. In the past we’ve had professionals from all walks of Leadership Program has morphed from a concept to a program life participate, including music moguls, elected officials and known for producing several NCAA Champions, National Hollywood actors who share their knowledge and wisdom with Champions, World Champions, Olympians and Olympic our students. Medalists. Our current group includes several national team members and Olympic medal contenders for the 2016 and All students enrolled in the PWF must participate in academic 2020 Summer Games. tracking by submitting a copy of their year-end and first !5 • Focused attention on the development of critical thinking and Academic Enrichment Program leadership skills. The PWF Academic Enrichment Program (AEP) is housed in a “The best way to describe my experience with AEP is professional space located less than one block from our REWARDING. By working with my daughter to help her fencing training facility. A team of college and graduate prepare for upcoming tests, assignment and social issues, I students and certified teachers staff the program. The PWF believe AEP has brought about positive change.” Hope, Parent recruits tutors and educators with a strong record of academic achievement coupled with practical teaching experience who “The teachers and students are incredibly friendly! This isn't demonstrate a commitment to community service and anything like the harsh, cold environments of the prep schools willingness to help each student build the foundation needed I've attended previously.” Sarah, Student for ongoing academic success.