If you're engaged with the nonprofit world at all, the name Seed20 will likely conjure positive memories and an inspiration to do good. For those of you who aren't familiar, Seed20, a program of Social Venture Partners, is a platform for large and small nonprofits alike to showcase their mission and teach the community about the work being done in the Charlotte area. Each year, nonprofit organizations can apply to be one of the chosen twenty, and if chosen, each has the privilege of being coached through a judging process. Out of twenty, ten are chosen to represent their nonprofit on stage, and this is the event that we all know to be Seed20. Restore Global was honored to coach third place prize's Para Guide this year, and once the festivities of the night ended, we decided to sit down with the delightful Shannon Houlihan to talk about her experience at Seed20.
First and foremost, if you were unable to attend the event, it's important you know about Para Guide's mission. Para Guide was founded in 2017 by two triathletes, Shannon Houlihan and Paul Harold, who wanted to create a guide system for para - visually impaired athletes in the Charlotte area. After moving to Charlotte from Houston, Texas, Shannon noticed the lack of guides assisting the blind community in her local races. She had been involved in a volunteer group in Houston relating to this cause, and because she understood the importance of a guide community, she and Paul decided to create a local nonprofit built on connections, donations, and volunteer guides. From there, Para Guide spread like wildfire and became highly interconnected with the blind community. In a little over a year, Para Guide has been able to work with 40 athletes in the Charlotte area and 20 athletes across the country.
When I asked Shannon how she would describe her experience at Seed20, she began beaming immediately. "Whether I knew the outcome of last week or not, I would have told you that the experience was invaluable. Learning how to communicate effectively and efficiently while teaching people about Para Guide's mission has been such an incredible skill to acquire. Although I'm not typically a public speaker, I was confident in our mission, and I knew that it would shine through." When Para Guide finished their presentation at Seed20, the judges were baffled to learn about a community of people that they didn't realize existed in the Charlotte area. "Giving exposure to the blind athlete population was so important, and for Seed20, I will be forever thankful. I'll be involved for as long as Seed20 exists."
Because Para Guide is a volunteer only group, all donations they bring in they give right back out. Through their website, athletes from all over the country can now apply for grants for race entry fees, equipment, guides, etc.... If you know of anyone who is visually impaired and wanting to be physically active, please reach out to Shannon and Paul. They will be able to make the necessary connections for visually impaired athlete needs.
Congratulations to Shannon, Para Guide, and their successes in Seed20 this year. We're excited to watch you grow and thankful to be partnered with your nonprofit!
*watch Shannon speak about Para Guide below in her Seed20 introduction video*