This year, in honor of our founders’ vision and in support of their legacy, we ask you to join Challenge Day’s Close the Gap Campaign. In 1987, founders Rich and Yvonne perceived a gap in human relationships in which people seemed increasingly cut off from one another. They knew that the key to bridging the gap was cast in building compassion, empathy, and connections. The past two years have opened new gaps experienced most acutely by the very people for whom Challenge Day was created: our youth. The data are in. Young people are struggling. In the ongoing chaos of Covid, they are dealing with isolation, loss, grief, disconnection, family disruption, and academic setbacks. The message from schools in 2022 is the same one that Yvonne and Rich received when they set out on their very first Challenge Day: “We need you—right now!”

The demand for Challenge Day programs is building. Our ambition is to bring Challenge Day to more schools across the country. We want to continue to close the gap by increasing our capacity, expanding our training, and extending our reach. We invite you to join the Close the Gap Campaign to help us meet the need