Mayor Stoney and Councilmember Ann-Frances Lambert announced more organizations receiving funding back in January. | Photo by RICtoday
Since the Richmond Health Equity Fund (HEF) began in 2021, it has distributed over $3.2 million to local organizations working to improve health and address disparities. At a press conference on Thursday, Nov. 7, city leaders spoke about their intention to keep the fund going.
Funding update
Originally funded with a $5 million investment from the American Rescue Plan Act, the HEF has since diversified its sources to prepare for when the ARPA well runs dry.
The following organizations now represent the main investments in the HEF:
City of Richmond
The Community Foundation
Schaberg Foundation
Atlantic Union Bank
Robins Foundation
Adding to the advisory committee
The Richmond and Henrico Public Health Foundation is seeking new members for the Community Advisory Committee (CAC), which is the body that helps decide where the HEF will invest.
CAC members should have professional or lived experience with health challenges in Richmond, especially in the areas of substance use, maternal health, and food access. Members are compensated for their time.
Monday, Nov. 11 Humbird | 7 p.m. | Richmond Music Hall | $12 | Get ready for folk tunes with special guest Sun V Set.
Tuesday, Nov. 12 High Five Trivia| 7-9 p.m. | Hardywood Park Craft Brewery | Free | Earn points to win prizes at this weekly trivia night with comical questions.
Wednesday, Nov. 13 “Eden Undone” with Abbott Kahler | 6 p.m. | Fountain Bookstore | Free | Register to hear this author discuss her latest book that tells a true story that includes romance, murder, and a quest for utopia.
Thursday, Nov. 14 Traveling Bricks: An Exhibition Made of LEGO Bricks | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Virginia Museum of History & Culture | $12 | Visit the museum to explore an exhibit that has 100+ models of LEGO creations, comprising more than 1 million total bricks.
Did you know? About 200,000 Vietnam-era veterans and 60,000 Vietnamese Americans currently live in Virginia.|Photos provided by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture
This month, The Virginia Museum of History & Culture is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon with a special display honoring the 230,000+ Virginians who fought in the Vietnam War, and the 1,490 who lost their lives.
Here’s what you can expect from the powerful exhibition, opening on Saturday, Nov. 23:
New firsthand accounts from Virginia veterans and their families
Official records, letters, and other artifacts
Images that capture the realities of war
How the war shaped Virginia’s culture and politics
Can’t make it to the museum? VMHC’s website and YouTube channel feature a compelling collection of oral history accounts from veterans who were initially reluctant to share their experiences because of the classified nature of their service and America’s divided feelings over the conflict.
Plus: A traveling display will make stops throughout the state, including in Fairfax and Virginia Beach.
Veterans Day, a day in which we honor America’s veterans for their courage, service, and sacrifice. There are a range of events and remembrances happening today for the national holiday. Additionally, some city services may be closed. (WRIC)
Regional
PlanRVA has been awarded a grant from the Economic Development Administration. The federal funds will go towards efforts to update our region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy to attract investments and create jobs. The last update to the CEDS was in 2018.
Festival
It may be November, but festival season’s not over yet. The first ever Richmond Fitness Festival will take place on Saturday, Nov. 23 at Byrd Park. The morning event will include a yoga class, shoe demo, breakfast pizza, coffee, and more. See other festivals that are still to come in 2024.
Cause
Help support the All Equals Project Thanksgiving Giveback by dropping off non-perishable and canned goods at Manchu and Smashed RVA. Look for donation boxes at both Northside restaurants.
Family
Santa’s coming to town early this year — at the Children’s Museum of Richmond. From Friday, Nov. 29 to Tuesday, Dec. 24, bring your little ones to meet Legendary Santa and the Snow Queen for a magical holiday experience. Book your visit.*
Community
Feeling inspired by the NYC marathon, but don’t want to run 26.2 miles? Volunteer for “America’s friendliest marathon,” the Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon on Saturday, Nov. 16. Fill water cups and cheer on runners while enjoying free pizza. Sign up.*
The Buy
The Buy
Your favorite Nordstrom item on sale, since the store’s limited-time fall sale ends tonight. We’re seeing: discounts on cashmere sweaters, leather loafers, and crisp white fashion sneakers.
Hey there, Richmond. I’m Mitch and I’m a Senior National Content Editor. I popped in for the day to help, but don’t worry — Robin will be right back with the top headlines in the next newsletter. Plus, everything you read today had her expert seal of approval.