PAST EVENTS

> July 5-16, 2010
Journey to the World Cup, South Africa

> May 22, 2010
Travel & Etiquette Workshop

> April 24, 2010
We Celebrate the Selection of 9 Talented Young Ladies

> January 14, 2010
Kickoff Fundraiser

NEWS & EVENTS

- President Obama Issues a Proclamation in honor of Foster Care Month

JUNE 30, 2010
Farewell Celebration for our eight XOL Ambassadors as they embark on a trip of a lifetime.

PRESS RELEASE
June 15, 2010
Stacie Turner hosts "Extra-Ordinary Life" Bon Voyage Celebration June 30th.

January 21, 2010
BET Networks and P&G COVERGIRL Announce Commitment to DC Foster Girls

January 15, 2010
XOL KICK-OFF MEDIA ALERT
Journey to South Africa: Countdown to the World Cup

JULY 5-16, 2010

EIGHT XOL AMBASSADORS EMBARK ON
A TRIP OF A LIFETIME

Although the World Cup is in full effect, the games are the backdrop
to an exciting 10 day itinerary filled with
cultural, educational, social and community service activities.

JUNE 30, 2010 - BON VOYAGE CELEBRATION

It was a beautiful sunny day as we gathered in the penthouse of the Bank of America building overlooking the White House. Family, friends, the foster care advocacy community and XOL supporters gathered to meet and celebrate the XOL Ambassadors and bid them farewell as the journey to South Africa was five days away. The girls felt so special as they received farewell remarks from Mayor Adrian Fenty, Barbara Harrison (NBC 4/ and founder of “Wednesday’s Child”), Senator Roland Burris, Dr. Roque Gerald (Director, DC Child and Family Services) and Judge Jackson, one of the many family court judges that attended the event. Additionally, our generous sponsors surprised the young ladies with travel gifts including luggage, computers, gift certificates, cameras, journals, and more.

See the Photo Gallery from this event

MAY 22, 1010 - Preparing for the Trip National Museum of African Art Smithsonian Institution
Travel, Culture and Etiquette Workshop

Agenda

• Travel, Protocol and Etiquette Discussion
  - Bryan J. Langley, former U.S. Assistant Chief of Protocol, White House/U.S. Department of State
  - Aimee Violette, former Protocol Officer, U.S. Department of State
• History of South Africa
  - Dr. Deanna Cooke, Director of Research, Center for Social Justice Research, Georgetown University
• Travel Tips (packing, safety, what to expect, Q&A)
  - Jenny Gaynor, XOL
• Docent Guided Tour of the National Museum of African Art Smithsonian Institution

See the Photo Gallery from this event

APRIL 24, 2010 - Selection Celebration

Eight talented teens were selected via a competitive process to become XOL Ambassadors and travel on our inaugural journey to South Africa! One of the young ladies was born outside the United States – whereas the others have never traveled outside the country. XOL wants the girls to see and feel the energy of this historic event—the first World Cup to be held on the continent of Africa. However, the games are the backdrop to a broader in-country learning experience that includes a community service project and cultural, educational, and social activities. An event of this magnitude will surely not be forgotten by the participants or their families!

See the Photo Gallery from this event

Extraordinary Women -- Business Woman Debra Lee, Actress Victoria
Rowell and Entrepreneur Stacie Turner -- Give D.C. Foster Girls An
“Extra-Ordinary Life” with Countdown To The World Cup”
BET Networks and P&G COVERGIRL Announce Commitment to D.C. Foster Girls

Extra-Ordinary Life (XOL), a new charitable initiative founded by entrepreneur Stacie Turner, kicks off the year with a life-changing program that benefits DC area teen girls living in foster care. The luncheon held Friday, January 14, 2010, themed, “Journey to South Africa: 165 Days to The World Cup”, is the first of several upcoming events intended to raise money to take 15 DC area teen girls currently living in foster care, on a life-altering trip to South Africa during the World Cup. “My goal is to show teenage girls that the world is their oyster by providing extraordinary experiences,” said Stacie Turner, the visionary behind Extra-Ordinary Life, who was adopted out of the DC foster care system.


There was hardly a dry eye in the room after XOL founder Stacie Turner delivered heart-tugging remarks describing the importance of providing homes and life-altering experiences for children in foster care. “Kids in foster care just want an “ordinary” life. If we can give them that and more, then they will have a chance at an extraordinary life,” said Stacie Turner. After her remarks, Debra Lee, representing BET Networks, and Vince Hudson, with P&G’s COVERGIRL, stepped up to the plate agreeing to sponsor several girls on their journey.




Debra Lee, Chairman and CEO of BET and Victoria Rowell, actress and founder of Rowell’s Foster Children Positive Plan (RFCPP), served as event co-chairs. “I spent my entire childhood in foster care, and am thrilled to get involved with this positive and uplifting campaign,” said Victoria Rowell, author of the book, The Women Who Raised Me. “Children need role models, particularly strong women. I look forward to being a part of this Extra-Ordinary Life initiative and to helping to further the importance of finding permanent homes for children living in foster care.”


Over 200 guests attended at the W Hotel, including DC City Council members Marion Barry, David Cantania, Muriel Bowser, Yvette Alexander, and Council Chairman, Vince Gray; and former first mother Virginia Williams, herself a foster child and foster parent. Other special guests included South African rapper Hip Hop Pantsula, former DC Councilmember Charlene Drew Jarvis, Joigie and Ken Tolson representing the Melvin B. Tolson Foundation. Gospel artist Kelly Chapman sang and comedienne Kiana Dancie served as the mistress of ceremonies. Johnny Moloto, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of South Africa generated excitement over the World Cup, being held on the continent of Africa for the first time--and reinforced the importance of addressing issues related to disadvantaged youth worldwide.


Guests were blown away as jazz harmonicist Frederic Yonnet kicked off the program with an extraordinary performance that stretched the harmonica beyond most people’s imagination. “I’ve never let the number of holes in my harmonica limit the music I make,” said Yonnet. His perspective reinforces XOL’s mission to encourage kids in foster care to look beyond their current situation to realize their unlimited potential.

The Children We Serve?

Click to view

Video produced by the Annie E. Casey Foundation

XOL Kick-Off
Fundraiser Event

Click to view

Video clip run on BET International in 54 countries

MAKING A DREAM A REALITY

Jelani Freeman, former foster kid who overcame the odds, with help from many freinds, to earn his law degree. Read Jelani's inspiring story. Click here.