Journey To PR: Rick Ross Charities, Inc Backgrounder

Rick Ross Charities, Inc: Promoting Education Advocacy and Social Responsibility

The children are our future, yet faced with daily obstacles while striving to achieve their goals many are unable to reach their full potential. With increasing drop out rates the U.S. is facing a “high-school dropout crisis”. In 2007, 6.2 million students in the U.S. ages 16-24 dropped out of high school. Miami Florida’s graduation rate is 48 percent, well below the national average of 70 percent. With these alarming numbers, who can the schools depend on to aid with re-enrollment programs, and stay in school initiatives when federal education funding has been decreasing since 1980?

Philanthropist like William Roberts, professionally known as Rick Ross, founded Rick Ross Charities Inc. in 2006, with a strong mission to “strengthen the lives of today’s at-risk youth from all backgrounds…providing solid resources through education advocacy, mentoring programs and financial resources to deserving students.”
Rick Ross, a graduate of Miami Carol City High School was given the opportunity to attend Albany State University on a full athletic scholarship for football, Rick Ross has often stated that this experience strengthened his confidence adding truth to the credo “you can do anything you put your mind to”. His success is fueled by his educational accomplishments, perseverance and believing that his dreams could come true. Now, Rick Ross one of the best MC’s in music and entertainment serves his community by believing and encouraging the youth today that nothing is out of reach, and success is attainable.

How does Rick Ross do it? By founding Rick Ross Charities, Inc. which inspires the community through programs such as Be Out Day, Financial Seminars, and Holiday giveaways for Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Rick Ross Charities, Inc. is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), founded by William Roberts professionally known as "Rick Ross" in 2006. Rick Ross Charities, Inc, mission is to strengthen the lives of today's at-risk youth from all backgrounds and create diversity by providing solid resources through education advocacy, mentoring programs and financial resources to deserving students. Rick Ross is committed to having Rick Ross Charities, Inc serve as a catalyst to inspire positive change by creating and supporting programs that uplift the well being of today's youth. Rick Ross Charities, Inc provides community support through various programs and projects such as the annual Rick Ross Be Out Day, Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaways, Holiday Gift Giveaways, College Scholarship Fund, Financial Seminars and a host of others.

"Be Out Day"- The charities signature event brings the community together for an outdoor concert at the park with free food, entertainment, and school supplies. Aug. 8, 2007, was the charity’s inaugural Be Out Day, which received the support of Miami-Dade County Commissioner Barbara J. Jordan, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Magic Johnson Burger King Restaurants and many others to reach over 2500 children and families in the Miami-Dade county area. Be Out Day was also successful in getting students excited about the new school year with performances and appearances from Rick Ross and other A List celebrities. Since founding Rick Ross Charities Inc, Be Out Day has been held in 2007 and 2008. Both years, a collegiate scholarship was presented to a deserving Carol City Senior High School Student.

Rick Ross Charities Scholarship- Rick Ross Charities, Inc. has used Be Out Day as a platform to recognize exceptional students with plans to attend college through the Charities Scholarship Fund. Past winners, former Miami Carol City Senior High Students Juanita Williams and Diamond Excell where chosen by the school’s Principal for their academic and extracurricular excellence. The scholarship is awarded to aide with collegiate related expenses.

Financial Seminar- Rick Ross Charities, Inc. holds an annual financial seminar, with the purpose of providing financial information. Free to the public, the seminar provides information for equipping individuals, business owners and entrepreneurs in South Florida with financial resources. Facilitated by planner, accountant and consultant for the platinum selling artist, Floyd Thomas. Thomas the owner of F.D. Thomas Tax and Financial Services based in Decatur, Georgia, has been in practice for over 29-years with unmatched results for his clients. Rick Ross Charities Financial Seminar provides the community with a vital resource to enhance their financial potential.

Holiday Give Away- Since the start of Rick Ross Charities, Inc. annual Turkey distributions has provided over 2000 turkeys to needy families in the Miami-Dade County area. Due to lack of funds, many families spend the holidays without the staple holiday meal. The charity aims to ensure that the holidays are enjoyable for families. The charity also sponsors a Christmas give away with Toy’s For Tots where families are invited to enjoy an entertaining day at the park with complimentary food, drinks, live performances and entertainment.

Rick Ross Charities, Inc. understands the situations facing today’s youth, and strives to serve as a catalyst to inspire change, by supporting the community through programs that promote the benefits of social responsibility and education.