By June Mathews
When Thomas Henry sought a meaningful way to serve his community, he discovered it in BridgeWays, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping young people learn how to “care, connect and contribute.”
Henry, who is serving his third year as president of the BridgeWays junior board, is a motivating force behind the junior board’s primary fundraiser, S’mores & Pours, which is set for May 30 at Avondale Brewing Company.
“We raise over $50,000 through this event each year,” Henry said. “I help ensure that all our board members have a role during the event and that guests are taken care of throughout.”
This is the 12th year for the event, which is being presented by The Thomas E. Jernigan Foundation.
A boho-chic wonderland of food, fun and fabulous people, the evening will include a feast from Taco Mama, raffles, vendors, pop-up shops from local businesses, local artists showcasing their talent, activities for kids, soft drinks and water, and two selections of Avondale brews.
T.U.B. The UnKnamed Band, a local psychedelic jam band, will appear onstage, bringing their own brand of music by the Grateful Dead, Phish and Widespread Panic.
And, in case your idea of a good time is something more along the lines of a rodeo, there’s more.
“We are also having a mechanical bull at the event this year,” Henry said, “which will be hilarious and help us raise even more money for the children of our community.”
The event will be 5-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 for adults and include two beer vouchers, $10 for children ages 6-18 and free for children age 5 and under. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
“We’re looking forward to hosting a crowd of people interested in supporting a great cause,” Henry said. “Supporting BridgeWays is a direct way to support children in the state of Alabama, especially those who may not have another way to support themselves.”
Founded as a local council of Camp Fire Girls in 1959, the organization transitioned to a coeducational program in the 1970s and later expanded its reach to school classrooms. More recently, BridgeWays disaffiliated from Camp Fire Girls.
BridgeWays now delivers programs to more than 60 schools and provides programs and services at the historic Camp Fletcher in southwest Jefferson County.
The BridgeWays mission is “to instill a genuine sense of hope, purpose, and self-worth by connecting young people to their peers, their schools, and their families — and ultimately, to their potential as responsible, contributing citizens of their communities,” according to its website.
“I became involved with BridgeWays because of the impact they have on the children in our state,” said Henry. “I have a passion for seeing our state succeed, and that starts with the youth in our community. The work BridgeWays does is truly amazing and touching. I am honored to be a small part of it.”
Funds raised will help sustain BridgeWays initiatives for 2024. For more information, visit bridgewaysal.org.
