ABOUT US
In a perfect world, all children would be able to live healthy, active and educated lives. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why this may not be the case, but with your help we will work together to change this.
The Imagine for Youth Foundation was started in 2015 to help financially disadvantaged kids thrive academically and athletically by providing them with necessary supplies, resources and equipment.
In 2022, we expanded our efforts and continue our work in various ways.
Our mission is to help children achieve a healthy, active and educated life.
Growing up, I was fortunate to be heavily involved in sports. Though I was given the opportunity to do so, I witnessed the obstacles my family had to face in order to provide my opportunities, not only for myself, but my siblings as well.
With all of these activities came costs that were not easy for my mother to attain. I can remember being responsible for insurance and participation fees, travel costs along with purchasing the equipment needed.
If it were not for my mom doing all that she could do, along with a support system that we were able to fall back on, I would not be where I am today.
I know there are many kids that face similar circumstances but unfortunately, they do not have a support system to depend on. That’s why the IMagINe for Youth Foundation is here to give children the support they need in order to participate.
Looking back, being involved in athletics was more than Xs and Os. I learned to take the good with the bad, the bad with the good, and playing with countless personalities taught me how to coexist and be a team player. These are fundamentals that stuck with me.
I believe sports is a gateway to learning how to be successful in the real world. I strongly believe that every child deserves the same opportunity to learn and experience those successes.
I have always wanted to give back. Now is the time to do so. Please join me in making a difference.
I’M IN. Are you?
OUR STORY
A concept that originated as a class project at The University of Iowa has transitioned into something much more impactful.
While attending Professor Joseph Sulentic’s business class at the University of Iowa, Micah Hyde and fellow students were challenged to create a business plan that involved giving back to the community. After brainstorming, Micah’s group saw a need to provide access to sporting equipment for underserved youth.
The discussion resulted in the group’s plan to gather new and used equipment from local organizations, sporting good stores and anybody open and willing to donate. In turn, the equipment was given to the local Boys and Girls Club of Cedar Rapids.
This was the moment Micah realized that Imagine had the potential to grow and surpass the boundaries of the University of Iowa. After months of planning, researching and deliberating, the project was completed. Actually it had just begun.
Since then, we are on a mission to fulfill the vision that began in a classroom. This is a vision that will have an impact on children from coast to coast.