How does a new talent become a passion project? How do tennis shoes become a blank canvas? Just ask current Saint Ignatius senior Tony Jenkins. His newfound hobby has now become a launching pad for philanthropic giving to The Welsh Academy.
Jenkins '21 has always had an interest in art. "I loved to draw when I was younger, and have even considered pursuing architecture as a career," says Jenkins. "I also have an affinity for sneakers, and for some time thought it would be fun to combine these two passions by painting sneakers."
Even at his young age, Jenkins knew that he could use his God-given talent to impact the lives of others. As he witnessed the social unrest during the spring, he felt a desire to do more.
"Helping to create opportunities for others is something that has always resonated with me," Jenkins says. "Access to education and education resources is one of the best opportunities we can provide."
That's when his attention turned to The Welsh Academy. Seniors at Saint Ignatius are invited to serve as Big Brothers to Welsh Academy students. After meeting some of the students and faculty at The Welsh Academy, Jenkins felt drawn to their mission and wanted to do more with the group. He was selected to serve as a Big Brother to sixth grader Victor Perez. Jenkins spends time during his free periods with Perez mostly during breakfast, lunch or recess. Throughout the year, they are able to build a relationship that impacts both of their lives and shapes their educational experience.
Driven by the Jesuit mission of both Saint Ignatius and The Welsh Academy, Jenkins had the idea to use his gifts to make a difference in the life of Perez and his classmates.
All gifts made today will help to offset the annual operating costs of the Welsh Academy. These costs include items such as educational materials and affinity courses for the students, along with professional development for faculty.
At the conclusion of the campaign, one lucky donor that makes a minimum gift of $10, will receive a pair of custom Welsh Academy Nike Air Force 1s hand painted by Jenkins!
THANK YOU for your support!
Driven by the Jesuit mission of both Saint Ignatius and The Welsh Academy, Jenkins had the idea to use his gifts to make a difference in the life of the students at The Welsh Academy. Read more about how his passion for shoes and art became a philanthropic venture. READ MORE
Donors
View All Donors
| Affiliation | Donors | $ Raised | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | $60 | 2.0 |
| 2007 | 1 | $100 | 1.0 |
| 2003 | 1 | $200 | 1.0 |
| 2001 | 1 | $50 | 1.0 |
| 2000 | 1 | $20 | 1.0 |
| 1998 | 2 | $150 | 2.0 |
| 1991 | 1 | $100 | 1.0 |
| 1989 | 1 | $100 | 1.0 |
| 1988 | 1 | $100 | 1.0 |
| 1986 | 3 | $200 | 3.0 |
| 1983 | 2 | $550 | 2.0 |
| 1981 | 1 | $500 | 1.0 |
| 1980 | 1 | $2,000 | 1.0 |
| 1978 | 1 | $100 | 1.0 |
| 1977 | 2 | $150 | 2.0 |
| 1976 | 1 | $100 | 1.0 |
| 1975 | 1 | $100 | 1.0 |
| 1967 | 1 | $250 | 1.0 |
| 1966 | 1 | $15 | 1.0 |
| 1964 | 1 | $100 | 1.0 |
| 1961 | 1 | $100 | 1.0 |
| 1960 | 1 | $500 | 1.0 |
