Beaumont has long shown that it takes care of its own. This good will dates back to the Great Depression when the city and local service clubs worked together to find jobs for men who were desperately trying to support their families.
Now, the city is continuing that legacy with the Beaumont Charitable Foundation, which was formed in 2009. The charitable arm of the city accepts tax deductible contributions, and helps raise money for many very worthwhile causes and outreach programs.
In that spirit, the foundation recently awarded 15-year-old Brittany Ramos $3,000 toward her trip to Europe this summer as a Student Ambassador for the People to People Program. For more than a half-century, the program started by President Dwight D. Eisenhower has promoted cultural understanding and peace among nations.
Other Foundation beneficiaries include the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Shop with a Hero, Spark of Love, Special Olympics, Smiles for Seniors and a program that allows students with perfect attendance to take in a Los Angeles Angels baseball game with police officers.
Through the charitable foundation, contributions are made to individuals and programs that enhance life in Beaumont. Applications are available at the Civic Center. The City Council, which serves as the foundation’s board of directors, decides how to award the money. Brittany received her award after she spoke at the Feb. 1 City Council meeting.
Beaumont’s young ambassador
“Brittany will be an outstanding representative of the city of Beaumont,” said Mayor Brian De Forge.
The hometown girl, who was accepted to the People to People program based on teacher recommendations and good grades, has already served Beaumont for many years. She is currently one of three princesses for the Miss Beaumont Pageant. And as captain of the Beaumont Police Explorers, Brittany will study Europe’s criminal justice system on her trip abroad. But before she leaves, Brittany will take part in many fundraising activities for People to People, including being a “waitress for a day” in Hemet.
Proudly representing her hometown
Brittany will depart in early June for her 20-day trip that includes stops in England, France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Once she lands overseas this summer, the world will become Brittany’s classroom. She will learn from the finest historians, educational experts, and professional guides.
While visiting Great Britain with other People to People students, the Beaumont High School sophomore will receive a briefing at Parliament and tour Buckingham Palace. Brittany will learn about the world wars by visiting Flanders Field in northern France and by touring the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. The teenager will gain an understanding of everyday life as she meets with ordinary European citizens and stays with local families in several countries.
During her trip, Brittany will be telling Europeans about her friendly hometown and fun things to do here like attending the Cherry Festival.
“I’m very excited,” Brittany said. “I’m looking forward to meeting new people and learning about many cultures and other languages.”
When she returns, Brittany will report on what she has learned to the Beaumont City Council. And one day, she hopes to protect and serve her hometown as a police officer, just like her father, Beaumont Police Corporal Chris Ramos.
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