Here’s a thought. Imagine the possibilities, if every multi-millionaire hip hop artist put 1 million…ok maybe thats far fetched. Say each one put 500K towards the development of a resource center such as this, in the state that they are from or currently reside. Besides being under the watchful eye of the government, said research centers could possibly alter the landscape of our children’s futures. Say what you want to about Skateboard P, but after this no one will ever say he never gave back to the community.
The Pharrell Williams Resource Center will be a located (ironically) on Williams Farm in the Bayside area of Virginia Beach. While it will serve children from around the greater Virginia Beach area, it is conveniently located next to three elementary schools: Diamond Springs Elementary, Newtown Elementary, Betty F. Williams Elementary, and across the street from Bayside Middle School. A Miami based architectural firm is currently developing detailed plans for the Center.
What will the PWRC cost and when will it open?
The estimated cost of the PWRC and an endowment for operations and maintenance is $35 million. The projected opening date is 2013.
How will Pharrell be involved with the Center?
In spite of his extensive worldwide travel and business commitments, Pharrell remains committed to the Virginia Beach community. Since 2004 he has provided financial support for the Back to School Supplies program and the distribution of Thanksgiving turkeys to residents of the neighborhood in which he grew up. The PWRC will be the crown jewel of his investment in this community. Pharrell provided the original vision for the Center and he will be involved both in the campaign to raise funds for its construction and in the development of its programs.
Who will provide the funds for the PWRC?
The PWRC will truly be a community partnership. The City of Virginia Beach has been an enthusiastic supporter of the PWRC from its inception. Community leaders share Pharrell’s goal of educating youth and developing workforce opportunities for all its citizens. The FOHTA Foundation is in the process of identifying and cultivating civic leaders as well as corporate and foundation supporters to encourage their financial support of the Center.
