The Maddie Potts Foundation Playground Project for RES

My name is Melissa DeJoseph, and I am the Treasurer of the Maddie Potts Foundation. I am also a Richmond resident and a Richmond Elementary School (RES) parent.

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 new playground structures 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 this Go Fund Me 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 cannot think of a better way to honor Maddie's birthday and the amazing community she loved. Please join us in supporting the Chariho community. All funds raised will go directly to RES for the playground project. If you cannot offer a donation at this time, please share and help us spread the word.

I've included a few pictures of the school and the playground area prior to removal. I also included a picture of Stephanie, Maddie, and Julia at Maddie's 4th grade RES graduation.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support of the Maddie Potts Foundation and the Chariho community. We also accept cash, checks, Venmo, and credit cards via the foundation if that is preferable. Please feel free to contact me directly if you have a different payment method or any questions.