By Desiree Joseph

Every year as part of their commencement week, the graduating class of the Success Training College donates to the charity of their choice.

This year the 66 graduates of the Class of 2012 presented a $2,000 check to Reach Out Grand Bahama Outreach Ministries.

La"Verne Gardner, the Acting General Director of Success Training College said the graduating class was more than excited to give back to a ministry which brings hope to so many young people, the young men in particular.

Dudley Seide, Founder of Reach Out Ministries accepted the check, but first thanked the school and the students for their generous donation.

He said: "I want to say to all the students and faculty of Success Training College, from the bottom of my heart thank you, thank you very much,"

Seide explained that a number of persons promise they will assist with the ministry, but often fall short.

"Success is one of those organizations who put their money, where there mouth is. I"m happy to see that people do actually keep their promises," he added.

Seide vowed the money would be used wisely to help with the cost of re-building of the center.

"We plan to start renovations in August and hopefully have them finished by early November," he said.

The center is located in the Garden Villas community. Once repairs have been completed it will be used for a number of things such as the after school programs for the children and food services.

Seide noted that although times are rough and the students are graduating and planning for their futures, they still took time out to invest in the future of The Bahamas and Grand Bahama in particular.

The president of the Graduating Committee, Osune Darville, explained that a lot of the graduates were unfamiliar with what Reach Out Ministries was about, but after receiving a brief breakdown about it, they voted and almost 100 percent of the class was dedicated to the cause.

"Everyone felt we must help the young men in our communities. We are very concerned about them, because they are not stepping up to where they should be and they"re falling by the wayside," she said.

However, she also noted that it is very commendable of Seide to have stepped up and dedicated his life to this type of charity work.

"He gives so much back to the boys and to the community that we just felt the need to offer him a small token of appreciation and we want to encourage him to continue," she added.