• Thank you from Khayyiel Smith - November 2012
• Thank you from Kevin Davis - November 2012
• Thank you from Brooke - July 2012
• PAS's Tra-Shawn Performs - June 2012
• Thank you from Rebecca- May 2012
• Thank you - April 2012
• Thank you from Kelly - April 2012
• Update on Jarrod's success
• Thank you from Chatika Price
• PAS 4th Annual Fundraiser A Great Success!!!
• Thank you from Chatika Price
• Thank you from Patick Evans
• Click here to view Plant a Seed Foundation on CBS3
• Check us out in the Philadelphia Inquirer 12-07-2011
• Thank you from Tracy and Brooke Sep 2011
• Thank you
• Click here to listen to a song composed and sung by a young woman that was granted a PAS request
• Plant a Seed Fundraiser a Great Success
• Thank you from Jeremy Dec 2010
• Bucks County Courier Times Article Nov 2010
• Thank you from Dakota Meredith
• Thank you from Jared Montano
• Thank you from Brittany Donovan
• Plant a Seed Second Annual Fundraiser a Huge Success!!!
• Thank you letter from Rebecca Pollock
• Thank you letter from Cecily Sanders
• Aid program helps boy get his kicks
• First fundraiser was a huge success!
• Michael's camp experience

Thank you from Khayyiel

Dear Plant a Seed,

Hello, my name is Khayyiel Smith and you guys have just opened up a new door for me. I have always wanted to have dance lessons ever since I was little. I have danced in many talent shows and joined other activities that have had dancing in them but never thought it was enough. I have a talent for dancing and I have been told that I have a gift. I am very passionate about dancing and have always been. When my mother told me that I have joined a dance class, I was very excited and I thanked her. She then told me to not thank her, but to thank Plant A Seed. When I asked her what was Plant A Seed, she told me all about you guys. I want to let you know that I am highly grateful for your service. I think it is very generous that you guys are giving me the opportunity of a lifetime. I am in the 8th grade and now is the time for me to get serious about my dancing career. Thank you so much for this. I wish everyone could be this helpful and generous.

Sincerely,
Khayyiel Smith

Thank you from Kevin

Dear Plant a Seed,

Thank you for helping us with our activities, that's very nice of you. My name is Kevin Davis and I'm in fifth grade. I love play fighting with family and friends., that's what made me want to do karate. When I did the free visit I liked it. I was very excited and was ready to get my uniform, but my Mom told me I'd have to be patient because somebody else was paying. I understood and thought Plant A Seed's very nice. Once again I'm very grateful.

Sincerely,
Kevin Davis

Thank you from Brooke

Dear Plant a Seed,

I would like to show my gratitude and tell you how much I appreciate the scholarship and I feel so lucky for having an opportunity like this. You really made a big difference in my life and made me realize there’s people like you who make a difference by helping those in need.

Brooke, age 13, thanking PAS for guitar lessons

PAS's Tra-Shawn Performs - June 2012

Michele Rice and PAS's - Tra-Shawn Collins. Tra-Shawn performed an aria at the Trenton Community School of Music 2012 recital. She was amazing!



Thank you from Rebecca - May 2012

Michele,

Just wanted to thank you again for your interest and support of George in pursuing this great opportunity!! He so loves going to Buffalo Cove and it feeds his soul. It has been a pleasure talking with you and knowing there are people out there that really want to help our kids. Wishing you continued success.

Take Care,
Rebecca

Thank you - April 2012

"I have had the best experience with Plant a seed. They really help you fulfill your dreams. They leave no stone untouched. When I started my acting lessons, everything was taken care of. Thanks to them I now know a lot about the business. I know how to present myself in front of others, how to skim over line mistakes like they were never there, and even what to wear to an audition. The people there at Lisa Maile were thorough and thanks to Plant a Seed, I got to experience it. They made my dreams a reality. I now know how I look and sound on camera. I know the basics, and now with plant a seeds help I'll go on to learn more, experience more, and become more than I am. Who knows, in the near future I could be thanking plant a seed my acceptance speech at an awards show. A girl can dream right. Thanks to Plant a Seed, my dreams are becoming more attainable with each coming class. I don't want to be an actor any more, I am one. Thanks a million Plant a Seed!!"

Thank you from Kelly - April 2012

Hi Michelle,

I just wanted to thank you and Plant a Seed for everything you have done from my son Aubrey "Bubba". Since you matched him up with Pup, he has completed a small Christmas cd and is currently working on another cd. Pup has helped keep him grounded and focused (he has some mental health and emotional issues).

Pup has been a wonderful mentor and he has become a family friend. The William Tennent Choir (of which Aubrey is a member) has been selected to sing at the 2012 London Olympics in August. Pup is trying to help us raise funds for the trip. Aside from that, my older daughter Jessie is going to college for Music Business. Pup is helping her and having her intern with him this summer. This is very exciting for her. I really appreciate his presence in our lives.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincere gratitude,

Kelly Mabone

Update on Jarrod's Success

Hello Michelle,

I wanted to update you on my son Jarrod! He has been doing awesome with his karate, and I have never seen a child work so hard to achieve his goal! In the last year since you have helped us with his karate class he has become a blue belt and has won 4 metal in competitions! His last competition was this past Saturday and he won 2 trophies, 1st place for his kata demo and 2nd place for his 2 defense moves. I attached some pictures of his progress :) He even had a cheering crew! Sadly my video and picture taking skill needs improving :) I also attached a video as well. I am so proud of him and he seems to be VERY proud of himself. Again I just wanted to thank you for all you have done.

PAS 4th Annual Fundraiser A Great Success!!!

The Plant a Seed Foundation held its 4th annual fundraiser at Jericho National Golf Club on March 3rd. The support demonstrated for our nonprofit charity was astounding. Friends, Case Workers, Mentors and children who have been helped by PAS enjoyed DJ Joel Katz, live music from Pop Fiction, the amazing auctioneer, Jeff Cohen and a huge array of silent auction items. World B Free, the former Philadelphia 76er was a guest as well as Trentonian reporter LA Parker, Philadelphia Inquirer’s Monica Yant, Tim McDermott of the Eagles and State Representative Scott Petrie.

The evening began with the presentation of awards for PAS’ Volunteers of the Year, Linda Whitman and Stacy Cohen, two women who have devoted so much of their time to helping children pursue their passions. PAS' Mentors of the Year, Kurt Snyder of Kenpo Karate and Donald Bolding of Sway Records were recognized for the work they do with PAS children, partnering with us and serving as positive role models for these kids. Shanaya Chavis, a young woman receiving guidance from Mr. Bolding, sang a song she wrote for Plant a Seed.

Later in the night, Greg Smith, of the Radiant Suns basketball team, brought up two young men that PAS has helped. They spoke eloquently of the difference that PAS has made in their lives. Gene Rice read a letter from a parent in dire circumstances who was requesting the help of PAS for her son. He had recently lost his dad to cancer, was being bullied in school and the family had serious financial problems. The child's mom was hoping that PAS would pay for her son to go to karate to help build his self confidence and give him something to look forward to each week. Becky Johnson, of Johnson’s Popcorn, stepped up and donated $1,000 to pay for one year of karate.

The generosity of Becky and others helped PAS to raise over $60,000! In addition, Converse sneakers has committed to a partnership with PAS that will include a $20,000 donation in June. With this money, PAS will be able to continue to help the more than 150 children we’ve sponsored in 2011 as well as the many new referrals we continue to receive every day. Thank you for your support.

Thank you from Chatika Price
March 2012

Dear Michele Rice:
Thank you, so much for affording my daughter the opportunity to participate in Gymnastics at Philly In Movement. Naieta really enjoys the experience and technique that you learn. I have seen a tremendous improvement in her confidence level. Especially, since Naieta was having issues with staying focus even with fun activities that she adores. It is also important to acknowledge that she is working with a great team over there at Philly In Movement. They have great patience with the children and I was happy to see Naieta improved her skill level within the first six weeks and moved up to Team II, again a worthwhile accomplishment for her. As a mother of four daughters trying to survive, and budget activities for them all it is sometimes impossible to have the monetary funding that is needed to support your child’s recreational activities. Plant a Seed Foundation assisted my family with no hesitation. And gave my daughter memories to cherish, many more reasons to smile and laugh. We are so grateful to have you on our team, "Helping to Improve the Quality of Life for my Family".

Thanks again!

Cordially, Chatika Price

Thank you from Patrick Evans
January 2012

I wanted to personally thank you for everything you and your organization have done for my nephew (Mursell Yilmaz) and my nieces (Kaitlyn & Sarah Yilmaz). Plant a Seed Foundation has provided exactly the outlet that was missing in their lives. I can see the change in the kids but I can also see the change in my sister Victoria. I don't remember a time when she was so focused on their development. The work you are doing is truly a blessing!!!

Thank you so much!

Patrick D. Evans
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia


Thank You from Tracy & Brooke
September 2011

Dear Ms. Cohen-

Aviva from Lights Camera Action told me that Plant A Seed would be picking up part of the cost for Brookes fall session. I can not express how much this means to us. It has been a difficult year -and the help I have received from your organization has been such a great help. Brooke just fell in love with the class over the summer and I so wanted her to have something she could do and enjoy. You have really helped make that possible. Thank you again for going out of your way for our family.

Tracy and Brooke McGonigle

Thank You
June 2011

I am writing to thank you.

You sponsored my son in December at Action Karate Newtown. He has just completed his six month and is still going strong. He received his second belt about a week ago and has such a sense of accomplishment. His confidence has increased and it carries over into all aspects of life. He has always been a very good student but now it is uncommon for him to receive anything under a 98%, though his grades are usually higher. He is comfortable speaking to adults and older children which before he wasn't. I am so proud of him and so very thankful to you and Action Karate Newtown. If it wasn't for your help and The Plant a Seed Foundation, he would not have been able to attend or achieved this sense of pride about the man he will one day become. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and hope someday, I am in a position to repay you for, at the very least part of, what you have given to me and my son or to be able to help someone in my same position.

With unmeasurable gratitude

PAS Fundraiser a Great Success
March 2011

The Plant a Seed Foundation held its third annual fundraiser on February 26th at Jericho National Golf Club. Over 200 people attended this event. There were bidding wars over the 90 silent auction items that included airline tickets, restaurant gift certificates, overnight stays at local and Philadelphia hotels, make overs, spa treatments and many other items. The live auction included a signed Chase Utley bat and Phillies tickets.

Erin Torbert, of Cambria Stables in Yardley, was recognized as the PAS sponsor of 2010. She has helped many of the children to pursue their passions for horseback riding while being an excellent role model for them to follow. Also honored was Lynn Cohen, a board member of PAS, for her untiring efforts as a volunteer. She has personally met with many of the children whose requests have been filled by PAS and keeps in contact with them as well.

The highlight of the evening occurred when a young woman who was a recipient of a PAS scholarship performed a song she had written about the foundation. With the help of PAS, she was connected to a local record producer and has been working on her music career this past year. Her performance was a true demonstration of what PAS is trying to do.

Thank you from Jeremy
December 2010

Thank you so much for sponoring me. Action Karate Newtown is so much fun! I have learned so much already and I even received my first stripe. I love karate and you made it possible.

Plant a Seed Foundation is a great organization for kids like me. I know my mom would not have been able to send me to Action Karate without your help.

I hope you and everyone at Plant a Seed had a very merry Christmas. Also, I hope you are able to give a lot more kids such great gifts in the New Year. ASHA!

Thank you,
Jeremy

Making dreams come true
Bucks County Courier Times November, 2010
View online

In 20 months, a new foundation has helped 50 kids and young adults. Now, it's looking for more youths to help.

On 107 acres of her family's farmland in Lower Makefield, 25-year-old Erin Torbert has given horseback riding lessons to many people.

For three kids who come from financially strapped backgrounds, those classes at Cambria Stables on Yardley-Newtown Road were more than just something to do - more than just a hobby, she said. They were dreams, once thought to be unreachable, come to life.

The lessons even helped repair a relationship between one girl whom Torbert mentored and the girl's mother. And, she said, the lessons gave all the kids a sense of pride.

"They become more outgoing and seem more confident in themselves. They get a sense of pride," Torbert said of the kids she has helped as part of the Plant a Seed Inspire a Dream Foundation.

Plant a Seed was founded in 2009 by Upper Makefield residents Gene Rice and his wife, Michele, both of whom had spent years working with the Make a Wish Foundation.

Plant a Seed has helped 50 kids and young adults by getting them involved in something they've dreamed of doing - connecting people with mentors for horse back riding, music lessons, hockey training, whatever. The foundation has paired an aspiring musician with a Julliard-trained pianist, and connected another young person with a music industry executive.

Most kids have been from Bucks, but the foundation has also worked to make dreams come true for kids from struggling families as far away as Boston, said co-founder Gene Rice. He's the CEO of Rice Cohen International, an executive search company in Lower Makefield.

Now, foundation officials are looking to help more people between the ages of 8 and 21. Make your recommendations on their website at www.plantaseedfoundation.org.

"I know that there are a lot of people hurting financially," Rice said. "The charity is based around the premise that if kids are passionate about something, that passion will build their self-esteem, it will give them a social network and smooth the bumps of the teenage years. It's really for kids who have a passion and a dream, but don't have the financial resources. There are a lot of kids that need some help."

While organizations like the Make a Wish Foundation grant one-time wishes, Plant a Seed connects kids with mentors who generally spend about a year with them, Rice said.

One kid with low self-esteem walked past a karate studio daily on his way home from school, yearning for lessons that were out of reach financially. Plant a Seed connected him with a sensei, a karate master. As a result, the boy's attitude is much more positive, Rice said.

One child who's being helped by Plant a Seed is Patrick Semmens, a 10-year-old Tullytown boy who watches Flyers games with his dad, Kevin Semmens, and dreamed of taking hockey lessons.

Thanks to Plant a Seed, Patrick Semmens is doing just that at the Grundy Recreation Center in Bristol. Kevin Semmens said his son is more motivated in school and other parts of his life.

"He looks forward to it every day," Kevin Semmens said. "It gives him an outlet."

"There's no way I could have gotten him involved in hockey," the father said, citing financial and time restraints. "Plant a Seed really took a lot off my shoulders."

Thank you from Dakota Meredith
November, 2010

Dear Michele,
Thank you so much for choosing me for the Plant a Seed scholarship. Receiving it will allow me to continue dancing this year. I've been dancing my whole life, and it's always been a way for me to express my emotions. It has become a huge part of my life, and a huge part of myself. Lately however, it has become increasingly difficult for my mother to support my dancing because of the financial instability we have been going through. This scholarship means so much to me, and I can never thank you enough for the opportunity to continue dancing.

Sincerely,
Dakota Meredith

Thank you from Jared Montano
June, 2010

Dear Mrs. Rice,
Thank you so much for all you have done for me to make my summer memorable. Without the foundations help this opportunity would not be available to me. Things have been tough since my dad is gone and its nice to know that there are people like you that care. Please thank Jeff for me as well. My experience in the sports authority was one of a kind. I have many things that will last me for quite some time. My couch is awesome too. Thank you all once again for allowing me to play baseball which is one of my greatest passions..

Thank you so much for your generosity,
Jared Montano

Thank you from Brittany Donovan
May, 2010

Dear Ms. Rice:
I would like to thank you so very much for the dance lessons at Dance Kidz. I had a wonderful time and it was so much fun. It was good exercise too. I am getting ready for my recital in a few weeks. It really has given me more self confidence and really given me something to be proud of - being part of a group and doing my best. Thanks again.

Love,
Brittany Donovan



Plant A Seed Second Annual Fundraiser a Success
March, 2010

On Saturday, February 27th, the Plant a Seed Foundation hosted its second annual fundraiser. Over 200 people attended the event which was held at the Washington Crossing Inn. Money was raised through a silent auction, raffles and donations.

Last year’s fundraiser allowed us to fill requests for over 20 children in Bucks County, Philadelphia and surrounding areas. Some of these requests included horseback riding lessons, art classes, gymnastics, basketball, piano lessons, karate, dance and swimming.

This year Plant a Seed is determined to double the number of children who receive scholarships that allow them to pursue their passions. Plant a Seed envisions expanding the areas and avenues in which children are referred. For further information on how to refer a child click here.

Thank you letter from Rebecca Pollack
August, 2009

Dear Michele,
I just finished up the first week of my second session at Tyler School of Art Pre-college Summer Institute! So far it has been an absolutely fabulous experience! Aside from being able to have fun, I've learn countless techniques. I've gotten more out of the courses than I even thought possible and I know the final week will be just as valuable. My first two classes were printmaking (an entirely new experience) and sculpture (a style I've long enjoyed). While I can't say I excelled in printmaking, it was still really awesome. The challenge involved and the uncertainty of one's results made it worthwhile; I would love to continue experimenting in printing! Sculpture was fantastic! We completed two projects: a wire sculpture and a body extension (which means building anything so long as it is something you can wear!). I was pleased with the results of both assignments and loved working with basic elements (wire and cardboard). Currently I am enrolled in ceramics (also a new experience) and figure drawing. Both have been incredible learning opportunities, especially figure drawing. I've never excelled in drawing people but the course has provided me with numerous techniques to enhance my drawings and make the subjects seem more realistic. Ceramics is also filled with many techniques and being able to throw clay around is a blast!

I've had an incredible time while at Tyler and am forever thankful for the great opportunity you have provided me! Without your support and the support of your foundation I would not have been able to learn so much, let alone attend Tyler's summer classes. Once more, THANK YOU! Whether i chose to continue my art career or not, what I've learned at Tyler will be with me forever and no matter what, art will certainly remain a hobby and a passion.

Thank You So Much!
Rebecca Pollock

PS. I've attached a few photos of my work and will send more once this session is complete! Click here to view

Thank you letter from Cecily Sanders
May 2009

Dear Mrs. Rice,

I would like to thank all the members of Plant a Seed Foundation, especially Mrs. Michelle Rice and the Cohen Family for giving my children such a great opportunity in their life. It's been weeks now since both kids were awarded the scholarship from your organization. Oh what an impact it made in their life already. My son Matel is having a blast and I am seeing a change in his behavior.

Also he is interacting well with other kids, not only in his karate classes but also with his fellow students at school. He can't stop talking or practicing moves from the classes. My daughter on the other hand looks forward to Friday so she can go to dance. This would not be possible if it was not for your foundation.

You have brought such joy into our lives. It brought me tears when I saw what joy my children felt when they started the classes. I could never repay you and your foundation for what you have done for me. Where I could not give my children that which they were lacking you have filled that void. If ever given the opportunity to be blessed, I hope I could give to a child or children what you have given mine.

Joy, a sense of belonging, not being different, interacting well with others, not so shy anymore, words can never express the thanks I have for you and your organization. May God bless you all, bring prosperity to the foundation and may it be known throughout the world - it takes only a small seed for a miracle to happen and your foundation is that miracle.

Your Faithfully,

Cecily Sanders
Aid program helps boy get his kicks
Philadelphia Dalily News 4/03/09

Every day on his way home from school, 7-year-old Mateo Sanders looked through the window of the Red Tiger Taekwon-Do center in Northeast Philadelphia, longing to be part of the action inside. But Mateo's father, Donnel, was laid off in February from the Frankford-Torresdale Country Club, and martial arts didn't fit into the family budget.

That began to change the day a friend told Mateo's mother, Cecily Sanders, 41, a nursing assistant at Frankford Hospital-Bucks County, about the Yardley-based Plant a Seed Inspire a Dream Foundation, which helps low-income children and young adults pay for enriching activities. Read full article here

First fundraiser was a huge success!

The Plant a Seed Inspire a Dream Foundation, a recently launched charity organization, was established to give financially challenged children and young adults the opportunity to pursue their passions through camps and positive learning experiences. Plant a Seed Foundation recently held its first major fundraiser at the Washington Crossing Inn in Bucks County, Pa. More than 150 guests joined the event making the affair a huge success!

Plant A Seed Inspire A Dream Foundation provides money and other assistance to children from low income households which will allow them to participate in camps and other programs that hold great interest for these children and young adults.

Gene and Michele Rice, the founders of this organization, recognized this need after being involved in the Make A Wish Foundation. As board members, Gene and Michele often met with children who were very sick and whose wishes were being granted by this organization, but realized that many of the healthy siblings in these families also had unfulfilled dreams. Thus, Plant A Seed Inspire a Dream was born.

Plant A Seed Foundation’s underlying philosophy is that by allowing children to pursue their passions, it keeps their attention focused in positive ways and away from activities that may not be in their best interest. Children who are involved in something that excites and enlivens them have far more self esteem and a more optimistic outlook towards their future.

Requests such as attending a sports camp, an educational or artistic learning experience or musical instrument lessons are some of the desired requests that Plant A Seed has received from the children and their families.

Camp scholarships and educational programs are available to those individuals who have a passion they’d like to pursue, but lack the necessary resources. Applicants must be between the ages of 8 and 21.  Please contact PASF if you would like to refer a child, submit an application or make a donation.               

The Plant a Seed Inspire a Dream Foundation hopes to make a significant difference in the lives of children by encouraging them to reach for their dreams through positive learning experiences.

To submit an application for a scholarship or make a donation:

• Submit a letter which includes your financial need, the type of camp or program you would like to attend, why you want to attend and your contact information
• Send your letter to Plant A Seed c/o Rice Cohen International 301 Oxford Valley Rd Suite 1506 Yardley, Pa 19067
• Or email your letter to Michele@plantaseedfoundation.org
• Or get an application from our website at www.plantaseedfoundation.org
• Or call 215-860-8403 or fax 215-860-8404