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Change is only one lap away! 

Sophie Braun is committed to helping end homelessness one lap at a time. For the second consecutive year, the 13-year-old Westfield resident is organizing the “Make a Splash Swim-a-Thon” to benefit Homefirst Interfaith Housing & Family Services, Inc. (Homefirst). This event will take place on Sunday, May 20, from 1pm-2:30 pm at the Jewish Community Center of Central Jersey, located at 1391 Martine Avenue in Scotch Plains.
“About three years ago, while volunteering at the Jewish Community Center in Scotch Plains, Sophie met individuals from Homefirst and  the work of Homefirst resonated with her,” said Kim Braun, Sophie’s mother.  “From start to finish, the Make a Splash Swim-a-Thon was and continues to be Sophie’s doing.  She designs the flyer and forms; enlists and registers participants and solicits donations from individuals and local businesses.  Last year, Sophie kept the event running with enthusiasm and everyone had a great time while swimming a lot of laps for a great organization.”
Swimming with Sophie will be her swim team, The Barracudas.  In 2017, 30 swimmers raised a total of $3000 for Homefirst.
“It warms my heart that Sophie, with the Barracudas, are again raising money to help Homefirst provide housing and support services to families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless,” said Laurethea Kidd, Homefirst’s acting executive director “Sophie is a special young lady and her volunteerism was highlighted when she was named a Homefirst Hero at our 2017 Evening of Thanks.”
If you would like to swim or make a donation, please go to http://makeasplash.ga/.
For more information about Homefirst, please contact Karla Spivey at karla@homefirstinc.org or (908) 444-7054.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]