“‘Why do you waste your time on them?’ ‘They don’t belong here.’ ‘No matter how much you do, it won’t change anything.’”
More than hundred hateful comments on the abc6 Channel’s Facebook page, in response to a news story about our work at MY Project USA, reflect the bias faced by many of the youth and families we serve. But they don’t tell the full story. What’s missing are the faces of the resilient young people who still believe in opportunity, in community—and in leaders like you.
As champions of our local economy and workforce, business leaders have a crucial role to play in shaping a thriving, inclusive Columbus. A strong, united community—where every child feels safe and empowered—is essential to the health of our local businesses, neighborhoods, and future workforce.
We invite you to join us for a special CommUnity Iftar & Fundraiser, as we come together to build bridges, foster kinship, and strengthen the very foundation of our community. Alongside elected officials, faith leaders, and fellow business owners, we will stand together to protect and uplift our most vulnerable neighbors.
This gathering is more than a meal; it is a call to action. Ramadan reminds us of the power of generosity and shared responsibility—principles that resonate deeply with our shared vision for Columbus. Now is the time to invest not only in economic growth but also in social well-being.
The proceeds from this event will directly support the youth and families of MY Project USA, ensuring they have access to education, mentorship, job training, and safety.
To maximize participation in this dialogue, we are hosting 4 events this Ramadan. Please feel free to register for one of the following events. For security purposes, the event location will be shared privately with confirmed attendees.
Your participation will send a powerful message: Together, we can show our youth—and our city—that they belong, that they matter, and that we will continue building a community where everyone can thrive.