Real Men, Real Heroes gets own 501(c)3 status

The Real Men, Real Heroes Project began in January 2007 as an effort to aquaint Wichita children with positive African American male role models. The program was created and implemented by AngelWorks founder Polly Basore with initial financial support from Wichita philanthropist Barry Downing. It was an immediate success, with its 32 Heroes quickly becoming familiar to Wichita kids through their appearance on Hero trading cards, billboards, bus signs and television ads. Heroes followed up with numerous visits to schools, where they spoke to students about life choices and responsible manhood. In May 2008, the program was recognized by President George Bush during a visit to Wichita where the president recognized Hero Buddy Shannon with the Presidential Volunteer Award. In June 2008, the Heroes took over operation of the progam with administrative support from the City of Wichita. Since then, Real Men, Real Heroes Inc. has expanded its efforts to include mentoring programs, recruitment of additional Heroes and adoption of a new program to develop Teen Heroes. Key to its future success as a self-sustaining organization, Real Men, Real Heroes in March became incorporated and achieved as 501(c)3 status as a public chartity. If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution, please contact me (Polly), who is helping them raise money: pollybasore@msn.com.