2004 Community Impact

Michael and Laura Brader-Araje

Description

Founded in 2000, the Michael & Laura Brader-Araje Foundation (www.b-a.org) supports innovative programs geared toward improving the lives of fellow North Carolinians. This private, Durham-based foundation’s main priorities are community programs, education, entrepreneurship, health and special projects. The Michael & Laura Brader-Araje Foundation has provided financial support to CED, WUNC-FM, Teach for America, the Mariposa School for Children with Autism among many other organizations. In February 2004, Michael and Laura helped launch DonorsChooseNC, an innovative non-profit market place that allows citizens to support teacher excellence.

Reasons for winning the award

Michael and Laura Brader-Araje are motivated by what they have seen other individuals and other organizations accomplish. Becoming a part of the local giving community allows them to give back to a place where they have established their roots and have experienced much success themselves. In the spirit of their entrepreneurial background, they believe in providing early investment where they see the potential for success. By providing philanthropic seed money to worthy and promising causes, Michael and Laura Brader-Araje are making a difference by helping programs grow and providing a spark for change.

Quote

“We accept this award on behalf of all the social entrepreneurs and non-profit leaders we work with and learn from every day. It is their tireless commitment and passion to help others that humbles us and reminds us of the real sacrifices and challenges so many people of our state face. We hope this award will draw attention to the many important challenges our state faces and spur others to get involved in their own communities." -- Michael and Laura Brader-Araje

History

Michael Brader-Araje is the founder of OpenSite Technologies, and he is also the founder and managing partner of truePilot. truePilot is an early-stage investment firm, focusing on high-tech software and infra-structure companies in the RTP with investments ranging from $250,000 to $500,000. truePilot is dedicated to enhancing the success of early-stage companies and elevating the profile of the RTP throughout the broader investment community. An active philanthropist serving on the boards of a wide range of non-profit organizations, he is also the founder and chairman of DonorsChooseNC, a groundbreaking nonprofit marketplace where North Carolina teachers and individuals connect to give public school students the resources they need to learn. Laura Brader-Araje is an education doctoral student at UNC-Chapel Hill. In addition to working with public school mathematics teachers, she has published many articles focusing on middle grades mathematics education. She works throughout the community as an advocate for education, children, and women's rights. Currently, Laura is a full-time mother to her two children.

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