The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay and Watermark for Kids awarded local resident Riley Gigstead, 10, the chance to live out his dreams this summer. Chosen as a Watermark Kid for his passion, determination and talent, Riley attended iD Tech Camp – a week-long overnight camp where he learned how to build a computer and baseline code for two games, a number sequencing guessing game and a horoscope generator.
This tenacious young boy was diagnosed with ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder; however, he has never seen challenges when it comes to technology. He developed a love for coding two years ago when his class programmed a robot to complete tasks like opening and closings its hand. From that moment on, Riley was hooked.
Riley visited The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay to share what he learned with residents of the community. Associate Executive Director, David Schupack, also gave him a behind the scenes look at how the community uses technology in their day-to-day operations.
Watermark for Kids is committed to empowering underserved kids from ages 6 through 22 to express their character, leadership, creativity, compassion and spirit. Since 2011, they have honored 16 other kids in the greater Tampa Bay area in partnership with The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay’s sister communities The Watermark at Trinity in Pasco County and The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods in Sarasota. Awards range from art, music and dance lessons to funds to purchase books and supplies for college.
About Watermark for Kids
Watermark for Kids is a national non-profit organization whose vision is to help deserving local kids thrive. Funds are raised through payroll deductions and fundraising projects spearheaded by residents and associates of 38 Watermark retirement communities nationwide. In return, Watermark Kids are asked to “pay it forward” by mentoring others and vowing to help another youth in their own unique way. To learn more visit www.watermarkforkids.org.