Check Presentation 2021 Awards
Read the Article on the 2021 GBS Check Presentations in the Roanoke Times
2021 Award Recipients
God's Pit Crew ⇨
God's Pit Crew (GPC) was started in 1999 as part of an outreach to help tornado victims in Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma. This initial outreach consisted of borrowed trucks and trailers to deliver three loads of
supplies to numerous tornado victims in need and has grown into a major non-profit organization
specializing in effective crisis response and assistance. As part of the disaster relief efforts of
GPC, they create Blessing Buckets to distribute to disaster victims. Blessing buckets are 5-gallon
buckets that consist of essential items that persons use everyday. In addition to disaster relief,
GPC also participates in building projects in which they have built and furnished over 40 homes and
have renovated schools, other homes and playgrounds. GPC's calling is to bring hope, healing and
restoration to persons in times of crisis.
Healing Strides of VA ⇨
The mission of Healing Strides of VA (HSVA) is to promote wellness for people with personal challenges
who can benefit from equine-assisted activities and therapies in a safe and supportive environment.
Healing Strides, established in 1991, is located on 22 acres that includes two pastures, three paddocks,
a large enclosed arena and an outdoor arena. HSVA has a professional staff, certified instructors,
trained volunteers and a herd of more than 20 horses. HSVA has several programs, including Therapeutic
Riding, a program for individuals with personal challenges, such as autism, brain injuries and
neurological disorders. This program has individualized horse interactions for all levels of participants.
Junior Achievement of Southwest VA ⇨
Junior Achievement's purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. Junior
Achievement is the largest organization dedicated to helping young people in the core content areas of
work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Nationally, Junior Achievement reaches almost
5 million students per year in over 200,000 classrooms and after-school locations. Junior Achievement
programs are taught by volunteers in inner cities, suburbs and rural areas throughout the United States
via the 104 Junior Achievement area offices in all 50 states. Junior Achievement of Southwest Virginia,
founded in 1957, reaches approximately 5,500 students each year.
Kid's Soar ⇨
Kid's Soar is an organization whose mission is to empower children and families in the Roanoke Valley to
end their cycle of poverty through literacy education. Improving literacy rates of parents also improves
the literacy rate of their children and helps their children to succeed in educational and social settings.
One of the foundational keys to a child's successful future is the ability to read, and Kid's Soar believes
that every child should be able to read.
Ryan's Case for Smiles ⇨
Ryan's Case for Smiles was founded in 2007 to bring comfort and support to young patients and their families
in hospitals around the globe. They started with a simple goal to create whimsical pillowcases that give
children an emotional boost and remind them that they are not defined by their illness. Over the years their
programs have expanded to include childrens' families, so they can better navigate and cope with a very
difficult experience and avoid long-term emotional trauma.