Chamberlain is executive director of Horton’s Kids, a nonprofit that helps disadvantaged kids in D.C.’s Ward 8. This week, the group kicks off its biggest fundraiser of the year with a family-friendly event at Nationals Park on Wednesday. Can you tell me a bit about your organization?
We provide wraparound services for kids who live in one particular neighborhood in Anacostia — everything from one-on-one tutoring sessions with congressional staff to enrichment needs like nutritious meals and eye care. Our kids live in one of D.C.’s most dangerous and underresourced neighborhoods. Violence is something they see on a regular basis, and they don’t have access to a lot of support systems that they need to succeed academically and in life. Horton’s Kids helps to give them access to basic needs and good education options. Our programs are really volunteer-driven. We have a tremendous group of more than 500 volunteers.
How many kids do you serve?
We serve 300 kids and growing, of all ages. We often first meet families when children are still in the womb. And once they’re a Horton’s Kid, they’re always a Horton’s Kid. We help them graduate high school with a plan to succeed in college and enter the workforce. We really serve as a second family.
Tell me about the fundraising event.
We started this to help raise money — it raises about 30 percent of operating budget for the year. This is our fourth annual Home Run for Horton’s Kids. It’s a fantastic, family-friendly event. There’s batting practice in the indoor batting cages and batting on the field with Nationals pitching staff. Screech, the Nationals mascot, is also going to be making an appearance. Teddy Roosevelt [of the Nationals’ Presidents Race fame] will be racing kids around the park. We’ve got face painting and crafts for the kids — it’s an all-around fun night.
– Aubrey Whelan
