Richmond Times Dispatch

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St. Christopher’s students start sports-oriented charity

 By Staff Reports Published: December 6, 2009

A group of 10th-graders passionate about sports has raised nearly $10,000 so that 100 kids in the Richmond area can spend $100 apiece at Dick's Sporting Goods. Since the fundraisers are students at St. Christopher's School, they are calling their campaign Saints for $100 for 100.

Eight boys started the local effort after hearing about last year's inaugural program by Joyal Capital Management Foundation in Plymouth, Mass. Bill Tyson, co-head of investment banking for BB&T Capital Markets, was the go-between. He has business connections with Joyal, and his son, Landrum Tyson, was looking for a new service opportunity at St. Christopher's.

"The boys took off with it," Bill Tyson said. "One thing led to the next." At the school's fall festival, "they put up a banner and raised $400 that weekend. That's when they realized it had struck a chord."

The boys created a PowerPoint presentation about their project and took it to individuals and companies around town. Early support came from Joyal, BB&T Capital Markets and Scott & Stringfellow, all considered sponsors of the local event.

Information about nominations for the award has gone out to schools and local organizations. Forms are also available online at http://www.saints41004100.com. The deadline for nominations is Tuesday.

The 100 winners will be notified Friday. They must be at Dick's at Short Pump Town Center from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 15 for the shopping event. About 20 boys who participated in the fundraising will help with the shopping.

The project appealed to the boys for several reasons, said Betsy Tyson, Landrum's mother.

"They see that a shared passion can bring people together," she said. "They can connect to the community through sports. They can see the effect of a gift of $100 on a needy child. Most of these guys have been together since kindergarten. Sports is our group's collective passion."