Serving our community through the game of chess.
In 2024, we leveraged chess to benefit the large migrant community in our town. By helping children discover chess, bond with one another, and develop stronger social skills, critical thinking, and creativity, we have built a “kids helping kids” program. Our enrollment grew from 18 to 30 students in just two months, thanks to our dedicated coaching team.
Since 2021, we have been supporting local schools and at-risk students at Title I schools through the USCF and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Scholastic Chess Association. We raised and donated a total of $94,000, provided equipment and coaching, organized tournaments, and helped students compete in national competitions. We aim to prove the USCF’s belief that “Chess helps break the cycle for disadvantaged youth.”
During the 2020 pandemic, with the shutdown of all tournaments, Donald founded “Rise for US Chess Federation” and hosted “Blitzing COVID,” an online international tournament. We recruited 247 players worldwide, 40 of whom were chess masters. We raised over $16,000, showing that while COVID kept us physically apart, chess kept us united.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, as the NC K-8 Champion, Donald collaborated with the Michigan and California state champions, Michael and Arthur. They hosted and commentated on an online chess charity event and raised funds of over $3000, which we donated to NYC doctors and nurses who were fighting COVID-19 on the frontline.
From 2018 to 2019, Donald coached chess at JM Robinson Middle School, growing the membership from 14 to 40 students. Our team secured 1st place at the NC State Tournament.
In the summer of 2019, Donald visited Aldea de Niños Cristo Rey, a small local orphanage in Guayaquil, Ecuador, where he presented donations, including treats, chess sets, and lessons.
In the summer of 2018, Donald enjoyed teaching chess to Artem and Alex, two Ukrainian orphans.
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