Oasis Foundation Donates to GIRLS ON THE RUN, PROVIDES SCHOLARSHIPS, EXPANSION TO ANACOSTIA

WASHINGTON, DC (August 26, 2010) – The Oasis Foundation of Washington, DC made a $20,000 contribution for the fall 2010 season to the DC chapter of Girls on the Run (GOTR-DC). The donation will be used by GOTR-DC to provide a scholarship to every girl who needs one in the District. GOTR-DC will also expand from two teams to ten teams east of the Anacostia River with the help of the Oasis Foundation.

After hosting an event with GOTR founder, Molly Barker, and stakeholders in the DC area earlier this year, Oasis Foundation Executive Director Byron Fogan pledged to support GOTR-DC: “We are pleased to partner with GOTR-DC and to be in a position to support this unique program that promotes not only physical health, but addresses issues surrounding body image, healthy eating, and positive living with young girls in the District.”

For the fall 2010 season, GOTR-DC anticipates over 700 participants on 53 teams, with over half of the teams in low-income areas of the District. “GOTR-DC is thrilled to have the support of the Oasis Foundation as we work to educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living,” said GOTR-DC Executive Director, Betsy Hammond-Chambers. “We have seen an unprecedented demand for program growth in the low-income areas of the District since the spring 2010 season, and without the generosity of the Oasis Foundation, GOTR-DC would not be able to provide scholarships for many of these new teams.”

Girls on the Run is a 501(c)3 youth development program that combines an interactive curriculum and running to inspire self-respect and healthy lifestyles in pre-teen girls. Its core curriculum addresses many aspects of girls’ development, including physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being. Lessons provide girls with the tools to make positive decisions and to avoid risky adolescent behaviors.

Youth development is a main focus area of the Oasis Foundation of Washington, DC.  The Foundation seeks to fund innovative ideas in education, to promote cross-cultural ties that support the strong friendship between the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

About the Oasis Foundation of Washington DC

The Oasis Foundation of Washington DC is a charitable organization based in the United States.  Established in 2008 by Yousef Al Otaiba, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the United States of America, the Oasis Foundation of Washington DC invests in charitable initiatives in the United States which promote mutual understanding between the people of the United Arab Emirates and the United States. Assistance is offered in five key areas:  educational development; innovation in science and technology; promotion of the arts and culture; development of youth, family, and strong communities; and promotion of environmental awareness and protection.

More information is available at Oasis Foundation.