THE BIG “O” YOUTH EDUCATIONAL DREAM FOUNDATION
Mission Statement
“Progress Through Education / Enlightenment Through Music.”
Otis Redding was dedicated to improving the quality of life for our community through the education and empowerment of its youth. With Dreams to Remember we honor his life by fulfilling his dream. “The Big “O” Youth Educational Dream Foundation.”
Overview
Established in 2007 by Mrs. Zelma Redding, The Big “O” Youth Educational Dream Foundation, with its roots in music, has created educational awareness programs in the arts and humanities. These programs encourage individual and team participation, build self-esteem and instill discipline.
To honor Otis’ dream, The Big “O” Youth Educational Dream Foundation provides opportunities for youth to improve their academic performance by helping them make choices in life that enrich rather than endanger. By providing programs that ignite dreams in our future generation of leaders, we remain dedicated to connecting the universal relevance of music to serve as a catalyst for education, health, fitness and other youth oriented initiatives.
Alicia Keys speaks on The Big “O” Youth Educational Dream Foundation during the 2009 Evening Of RESECT.
The Big “O” Youth Educational Dream Foundation is supportive of foundations and educational initiatives from all across the globe; particularly those in Otis’ home state of Georgia where the high-school dropout rate is among the nations highest. In 2009, The Big “O” Youth Educational Dream Foundation was fortunate to work with the following programs:
- The annual Otis Redding Singer/Songwriter Camp, held in Macon, GA in conjunction with The Georgia Music Hall of Fame
- The Mentor’s Project, Macon , GA – programs focusing on youth and teens; ages 10-18
- Ft. Valley State University F.A.M.E Camp – Scholarship and Endowment programs for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors
- Hutchings Career Center Academic Support Programs
- Roger Jackson’s “Motivating Youth Foundation, Inc.”
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Central GA
More programs to be announced!
Otis Redding was always known for his talent, ambition, drive and business acumen. His dedication to the youth and education held equal stature. The Big “O” Youth Educational Dream Foundation will continue to pass on these same values, as new innovators of future generations are impacted….A Dream deferred is a Dream denied.
