We were lucky to catch up with Cindy Hudson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Cindy, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Our mission at Do It 4 W Foundation is deeply rooted in a personal story of resilience, community, and the enduring spirit of W.C. Hudson Jr., whose legacy fuels our purpose. W.C. was not only a beloved father and husband but a pillar of our community, driven by values such as Faith, Athletics, Leadership, and Academics. His sudden passing left an indelible void, but it also sparked a mission to honor his memory and continue his commitment to empowering future leaders.

The meaningfulness of our mission lies in the transformative impact we aim to create. W.C. believed in providing economic opportunities to young individuals who exemplify the highest level of character. This conviction shaped our mission to offer scholarships that extend beyond financial aid, fostering a network of individuals poised to make a positive impact on their communities. Our commitment stems from a profound belief in the potential of every person to contribute to a brighter future.

As a mission-driven organization, every success story, every empowered individual, and every positive change in the community serves as a testament to the meaningfulness of our mission. It’s not just about scholarships; it’s about instilling values, building leaders, and creating a lasting legacy. Through our mission, we channel grief into purpose, ensuring that W.C.’s impact endures and resonates through the generations we support.

Cindy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

At the heart of the Do It 4 W Foundation is a personal story that propels our mission. I am Cindy Hudson, driven by a profound commitment to honoring the legacy of my late husband, W.C. Hudson Jr. His untimely departure inspired the creation of this foundation, where we strive to make a lasting impact on the lives of young individuals by providing scholarships rooted in the values of Faith, Athletics, Leadership, and Academics.

Our foundation is deeply connected to our local communities, primarily operating in Garner & Raleigh, North Carolina, but extending throughout the entire state. What sets us apart is not just the financial aid we provide but the holistic approach we take in nurturing future leaders. Through scholarships, mentorship, and community-building initiatives like our Legacy Network, we empower individuals to pursue their passions and contribute positively to society.

The Do It 4 W Foundation is proud to have awarded 17 scholarships since 2020, totaling $32,000. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in our recipients, with 9 males and 8 females from various ethnic backgrounds. Beyond the numbers, we are proud of the vibrant community we’ve built, fostering collaboration, networking, and mentorship opportunities.

Our primary services include scholarship programs, community-building initiatives, and engaging events like our annual 5K run, the DI4W Legacy Run. We solve the problem of limited access to educational opportunities for deserving individuals, and our work stands as a tribute to W.C.’s belief in the power of education and character.

What I want potential donors, followers, and fans to know is that the Do It 4 W Foundation is not just an organization; it’s a movement. It’s a celebration of W.C.’s life, values, and the positive change we can collectively bring to the world. Through our work, we aim to inspire, uplift, and create a legacy that transcends generations.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Certainly, our journey with the Do It 4 W Foundation has been a testament to resilience, especially in the face of unexpected challenges like grief and the global COVID-19 pandemic. The initial year brought forth the profound loss of W.C., leaving us grappling with grief while navigating the complexities of launching a nonprofit.

As we began laying the foundation for our cause, the pandemic added an extra layer of complexity. Traditional fundraising avenues were disrupted, and the prospect of gathering for events became unfeasible. The impact was felt acutely in our initial funding, posing a significant challenge to our mission.

Faced with these adversities, we recognized the need for creative solutions. We pivoted our approach, leveraging online platforms to launch merchandise sales—a move that not only sustained our operations during a tumultuous time but also garnered support from our community. The resilience displayed during this period laid the groundwork for future endeavors.

Amid uncertainties, we took another innovative step by organizing a take-out chicken dinner event. This not only served as a unique and community-oriented fundraiser but also demonstrated our adaptability and commitment to finding alternative paths toward our goals.

These experiences of grief, coupled with the challenges of a global pandemic, forged a resilient spirit within the foundation. The slow start fueled our determination to explore unconventional strategies, setting the stage for a transformative journey. The Do It 4 W Foundation stands as a beacon of resilience, turning adversity into opportunities for growth and positive impact.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One crucial lesson we had to unlearn was rooted in traditional business models. Transitioning from a conventional business mindset to the unique landscape of a nonprofit organization presented a significant learning curve. The backstory revolves around our realization that the dynamics, objectives, and success metrics in the nonprofit sector differ fundamentally from those in traditional for-profit models.

Initially, we approached our nonprofit with certain expectations and strategies borrowed from conventional business practices. However, we soon recognized the need to pivot and adapt to the distinct characteristics of the nonprofit world. The shift involved understanding the importance of community engagement, impact measurement, and donor relationships in ways that diverged from typical profit-driven enterprises.

It has been an ongoing process of unlearning and relearning, as we continue to navigate the nuances of nonprofit management. This experience taught us the value of embracing the unique aspects of our organization’s mission, considering the broader impact on society rather than just financial gains. Ultimately, the lesson was not just about Ultimately, the lesson was not just about unlearning but also about embracing a new paradigm that aligns with the essence of our nonprofit’s purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.doit4w.org
• Instagram: @doit4w_foundation
• Facebook: @doit4w.foundation
• Linkedin: Do It 4 W Foundation (DI4W)

Image Credits
Trever Lee