Each year, Taft’s Red Rhino Fund awards grants to local nonprofits working to create positive change, with a focus on those providing programming and services for children. Last year, the Fund awarded a total of $14,500 to five different organizations: Waterbury Youth Services, the Mattatuck Museum, Arts for Learning, ASAP!, and the Flanders Nature Center and Land Trust.

Throughout each academic year, the Red Rhino Fund raises funds to support those grants through a number of fun events on campus—from Fall Festival and racket sports tournaments to denim days and the annual Spring Fling. This year, the Fund is expanding the fun beyond campus, and invites Taft families, alumni, and friends to join them at the Inaugural Rhino Cup Golf Tournament.

The Tournament will take place Thursday, October 17, at the Watertown Golf Club, 246 Guernseytown Road, Watertown, CT. Lunch is available beginning at 11:30 am. Registration is at noon, with a 1 pm shotgun start. A reception and awards ceremony begin at 5:30 pm. The rain or shine event also includes a silent auction. Find full details, including event registration information, here.

Founded in 2007, the Red Rhino Fund is an endowed, charitable fund run by a nine-member student board with faculty advisors. At its core, the Fund’s mission is an extension of the school motto, Not to be served, but to serve. The group works to create positive change in the Greater Waterbury (CT) community for children, by awarding nominal monetary grants and promoting local organizations in support of education, literacy, and the arts. Along the way, Taft students gain solid perspectives on the importance of philanthropic work, and develop fundamental knowledge, understanding, and skills to continue philanthropic, not-for-profit work later in life. The board is charged with learning about not-for-profit trusteeship, growing the endowment through new and innovative fundraising initiatives, creating marketing strategies, and awarding grants to community organizations. Board membership is determined through a competitive application and interview process. Officers are elected each year.