ReadyKids 28th Annual Community Lunch

We hope you'll join us at the Community Lunch!

We'll have a delicious three course meal and a program focused on the importance of social-emotional well-being for kids and families in our community. You'll have the opportunity to connect with ReadyKids staff and board members, community partners, and other stakeholders. We'll learn from keynote speaker Dr. Cara Goodwin, ReadyKids staff, and celebrate our Child Advocate and Ryan Vaughan Community Builder Award winners.

Dr. Cara Goodwin, PhD, also known as The Parenting Translator, is this year's keynote speaker. Cara is a licensed clinical psychologist, best-selling children's book author, and a mother to four children. She specializes in translating recent scientific research into information that is helpful, relevant, and accurate for parents and caregivers through her Instagram account @parentingtranslator, her newsletter on Substack, and her website: www.ParentingTranslator.com.

Are you or your business interested in sponsoring? Reach out to Amy Troyer at [email protected] or 434.296.4118 ext 235

Jessica Carter doesn’t just show up—she shows out! A Charlottesville High alum (’04) and Mary Baldwin grad (’08), she took her sociology degree (and later her master’s from Liberty) and hit the ground running. From correctional officer to counselor, from juvenile detention centers to community programs, she’s been a fierce advocate for at-risk youth every step of the way.

In 2022, she leveled up again, co-founding a therapeutic mentoring business supporting families across Virginia. And because one powerhouse project wasn’t enough, she also launched HER SPORTS in 2020, breaking barriers for girls in athletics—because every young woman deserves a shot (literally and figuratively!).

Speaking of shots, Jessica owns the court. She’s Mary Baldwin’s all-time leading scorer and a Hall of Famer. She’s coached everywhere from Parks and Rec to college ball, proving she’s just as much a leader with a whistle as she is in the community.

But her biggest win? Her unwavering heart. As a devoted caregiver to her mother for over 12 years, Jessica’s compassion and dedication earned her the 2024 Philanthropy Champion award. Whether she’s mentoring, coaching, or making power moves in her community, one thing’s for sure—Jessica Carter is a game changer in every sense of the word!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Boar's Head Pavilion, 860 Boar's Head Drive, Charlottesville, United States