Just in time for the holiday season, South Florida has the chance to give back to the community and support local organizations on "Give Miami Day."
Under 800 non-profit organizations are participating in the 24-hour charitable event on Thursday.
16-year-old Derylson Fontaine, a drum major at Booker T. Washington High School, said nonprofits have had a big impact on his life.
Growing up in the neighborhood of Overtown, Fontaine said opportunities are rare. But with the help of donations from the Adrienne Arsht Center's arts education programs, students like Fontaine are able to take field trips and attend summer camps without paying a dime.
"It takes them from the Overtown community and it exposes them to avenues that they never seen before they never thought about before they enter the band program," said Ahmad Newbold, Fontaine's band director.
Fontaine plans to go to Florida A&M University after high school and join the marching band there.
"My dream is to join The Marching 100 as an alto saxophone player and a drum major," he said.
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Over $10 million has been raised on Give Miami Day as of Thursday evening. Donations can be made until midnight on givemiamiday.org.
