How We Are Helping The Community
Recent Activities
At the Dowdy Foundation, community involvement lies at the core of our mission. Here are some of the ways we've sponsored or participated in programs benefitting the surrounding area.
- Donation to "Go the Distance for Autism" Organization
- Sponsor Books and Fellowship Program with St. James Social Service Corp.
- Sponsor Marion P. Thomas Charter School Cheering Squad at Cheerfest 2016
- Sponsor Cookies and Cocoa event to benefit local women's shelter
- Donation to the Bloomfield Tech Basketball Team for Summer Basketball Camp
- Sponsor of Phi Bet Sigma Alumni Chapter Scholarship Luncheon
- Sponsor of the Harriet Tubman School Nutcracker Suite Theatre Program
- Donation to Marion P. Thomas Charter School Cheerleading Team for Athletic Mats
- Donation to student Justice Hunt for Invitational Track and Field Meet
- Newark YMCA Room Renovation Initiative
- Thanksgiving and Room Renovation donation to battered women shelter
- Donation to Newark Pop Warner Football Programs
- Movie Day for gifted scholars of Marion P. Thomas Charter School
- Donation to the Shakil Williams Memorial Fund
- Donations to the American Cancer Society and Red Cross
- Readers Corner Initiative - Newark YMCA
- Multiple Clothing Drives
- Luncheon with the Leaguers (a senior citizens luncheon)
- Donation to Jerseyland Community Center
Other Recent Projects
Click on the headings to see more photographs
Scholarship Breakfast
Each year, the foundation holds a breakfast in honor of the recipients of The Maldine C. Dowdy Scholarship. The scholarships are awarded based on financial need and academic achievement, among other distinguishing qualities.
Community Food Bank
On Friday February 17, 2023, The William J. Dowdy Foundation partnered with the Kean University student group N.O.M.A.S (National Organization for Minority Architecture Students) for a day of service at the The Community FoodBank of New Jersey in Hillside, New Jersey. We worked diligently with the students packing boxes of canned goods, boxed foods, vegetables, water, flavored drinks, laundry detergents as well as many other items for the underserved in our community. It was a special day as the students took a pause from their studies to give back to the community and make the world a better place. Our foundation was proud to join forces with N.O.M.A.S as well as the Community Food Bank of New Jersey for a great day of giving. A donation was also made from our foundation to the food bank to assist in contributing to their cause and the wonderful service they provide across our state. Special shout out to Traci and Amira and the rest of the food bank staff for an amazing experience and Helping Us, Help Others.
Central Ward Cougars Pop Warner Football Program
The William J. Dowdy Foundation is proud to contribute to the cause of the Newark Central Ward Cougars Football and Cheer. Led by program director James Wright this organization helps teach, develop and mentor children in Newark not only in football and cheer instruction but life skills. Children in the program range from 3rd grade to 8th grade. We are proud to be a part of the Cougar Family and wish them continued success as the look achieve their athletic and academic goals.
Easter Egg Hunt
On Saturday April 8th, The William J. Dowdy Foundation sponsored one of the largest Easter Egg Hunts in the state of New Jersey. 35,000 Eggs were strategically placed to cover the spacious Conant Park of Hillside, New Jersey. Over 1,000 children and parents came out for a day filled with fun, games, music, gifts and prizes that helped to bring in the Easter holiday. Children ages 1 to 9 enjoyed the festivities of 3 specialized, thrill-seeking hunts. Special Thanks goes out to the Master of Ceremonies Anthony Salters, the Hillside District Leaders, Hillside Board of Education, Supreme Strategies, the Hillside Municipal Council, the Hillside Police Department, and the Boys and Girls Varsity Football Programs for all their help making the event successful. The WJD Foundation was proud to be a part of such a phenomenal event. #wjdfoundation #hillside #hillsideboe #hillsidecitycouncil #hillsidefootball #supremestrategies #razacproducts
Adopt-A-Room
On a couple of occasions, the foundation has participated in a room redesign project called, Adopt-A-Room. This program, taking place in a local women's shelter, involves creating a safe, comfortable environment for women and their children and turning it into a place that can be temporarily called home.
Books and Fellowship
Recently, the Dowdy Foundation and St. James Social Service Corporation hosted a Books and Fellowship program for area residents. The program was designed to empower and inspire young and elder adults through education and literacy. Books were given away for free and a healthy meal was provided in an effort to feed the mind as well as the body.
Annual Golf Outing
The William J. Dowdy Annual Golf Outing is the foundation's largest fundraiser. The outing draws a number of supporters each year, who while supporting a fantastic cause, enjoy an exciting day of golf and networking.