TO DONATE OR TO GET MORE INFO GO TO THIS LINK: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-maddie-potts-foundation-playground-project-for-res
MOST RECENT UPDATE:
On April 11, 2025, Maddie would have been 25 years old. That is also when the Maddie Potts Foundation heard about the RES playground being removed. Maddie attended RES and Chariho Middle and High School. She loved her community and always looked for ways to give back. In memory of her, that is what her foundation strives to do.
The initial estimate for the new playground is $200,000. In honor of Maddie’s 25th birthday, the foundation started a GoFundMe to raise money for a new play structure at RES. At RES right now, there are 380 students. In addition to those students, the school is getting an additional 100 students in the Fall of 2025 because of a school in the district closing, Hope Valley Elementary School.
The foundation’s goal is $111,000 because 11 was always Maddie’s number, but whatever funds are raised, we will be proud and very grateful for.
April 11, 2025-Update#1:
We are a nonprofit organization based in Richmond, RI. The Maddie Potts Foundation was founded in November of 2017 by Stephanie, Daniel, and Julia Potts, just two months after their daughter and sister Maddie Potts passed away unexpectedly of an asymptomatic brain aneurysm. She was playing soccer at Chariho High School on the night that she passed away.
Maddie attended RES and then Chariho Middle and High School. She truly loved her school and her community. She always thought of others before herself and constantly looked for ways to give back. The Maddie Potts Foundation Strives to give back to the community in “all ways Maddie.”
Just this week, the playground at RES was condemned and removed due to safety. The initial estimate for the new playground structure is approximately $200,000. We are currently researching multiple options for funding.
In honor of Maddie’s 25th birthday today, April 11th, the Maddie Potts Foundation is starting a GoFundMe to raise funds for a new playground. In addition to the children already at RES, approximately 100 more children will be attending RES in September of 2025 due to the closure of another district elementary school, Hope Valley Elementary.
We can not think of a better way to honor Maddie’s birthday and the amazing community she loved. Please join in supporting the Chariho community. Thank you for always supporting!
May 19, 2025-Update #2:
Thank you for all of your support! Our fundraiser is now over $15K, which is beyond amazing! We are still working on fundraising via the Go Fund Me so please continue to share. The Chariho School Committee waived the Chariho fundraising policy at the last meeting so the RES PTO and staff can now actively fundraise as well! Mrs. Martin, the RES Principal, applied to several grants while continuing to work with district staff and administrators to find more funding options.
We are open to thoughts and ideas so please let us know!
On Saturday, May 24th, from 10:00AM-2:00PM, the Maddie Potts Foundation Car Show will be happening at Chariho Regional High School. Some Chariho students will be there selling baked goods to raise funds for the playground.
Thank you again for your continued support. We truly appreciate it!
April 16, 2025-Update #3:
Thank you for all of your support! This community is truly amazing. I was at the school today dropping off some toys for the playground area. The Maddie Potts Foundation donated $1,000 and purchased jump ropes, hula hoops, chalk, spike ball, corn hole, balls, and other outdoor recess items. The foundation was also going to buy more sand for the area, but Richmond Sand and Stone donated the sand to RES! They will also be spreading it evenly over the play area. This community is coming together, and we are truly grateful.
April 13, 2025-Update #4:
Thank you so much! We are so appreciative of the love and generosity honoring Maddie and supporting our RES students! Let’s keep this going. Sending our love and gratitude to each and every one of you that is making this happen.