In November, Thank You For Your Kindness (TY4YK) had the opportunity to take part in one of the nation’s leading university-based entrepreneurship competitions: the Arizona State University Venture Devils Pitch Playoffs, hosted by the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute.
What began as an opportunity to share our vision turned into an unforgettable experience that helped accelerate our mission and connect our work with supporters who believe in the power of compassion-driven innovation.
What began as an opportunity to share our vision turned into an unforgettable experience that helped accelerate our mission and connect our work with supporters who believe in the power of compassion-driven innovation.
What is the Venture Devils Program?
The Venture Devils program at Arizona State University is designed to help entrepreneurs refine their ideas, strengthen their impact, and bring transformative concepts to life. Participants work through multiple stages of mentorship, development, and pitching, culminating in a final Demo Day competition where selected ventures present their ideas to judges and supporters.
The program attracts ventures from a wide range of industries, including technology, healthcare, sustainability, and social impact initiatives.
For TY4YK, it was an opportunity to present a vision centered not on technology alone, but on human dignity, compassion, and community-driven change.
Sharing the Vision of Project 1×1
During the competition, TY4YK presented Project 1×1, a flagship initiative designed to provide comprehensive, sustained, and holistic support for individuals experiencing homelessness as they move from the streets toward stability.
Project 1×1 is built around a simple but powerful idea: lasting change happens when people are supported as individuals, not statistics. Through mentorship, resource navigation, and consistent support, the program seeks to walk alongside participants as they rebuild stability and independence.
The opportunity to present this vision to entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors from across the country was both exciting and deeply meaningful.
Demo Day in Phoenix
The competition culminated in Demo Day in Phoenix, where selected ventures presented their ideas live before judges, fellow founders, and supporters of the program.
Standing alongside innovative ventures from many sectors, TY4YK had the chance to show how compassion-centered social innovation can create real change in communities.
The response was incredibly encouraging.
Awards and Support
We are honored and grateful that TY4YK and Project 1×1 received several awards and recognitions during the Venture Devils Demo Day:
• $10,000 award from the ASU J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute, backed by funds from Canon USA
• $5,000 matching support from the ASU Foundation, provided through the generosity of Mike and Cindy Watts
• $500 award from GoDaddy, along with more than $1,600 in products and services to help support our digital infrastructure
This support represents more than financial assistance. It reflects confidence in the mission of TY4YK and in the potential of Project 1×1 to create meaningful impact.
Why This Matters
Recognition from programs like Venture Devils helps young organizations like TY4YK accelerate their work in important ways.
It provides critical resources, strengthens organizational capacity, and introduces new networks of mentors and supporters who believe in the power of compassionate leadership.
Most importantly, it helps bring greater visibility to the mission at the heart of TY4YK: creating a world where kindness and service transform lives and communities.
Looking Ahead
While the experience in Phoenix was exciting, it represents just one step in a much larger journey.
TY4YK continues to build partnerships, develop programs, and expand the foundation needed to launch and sustain Project 1×1 here in Nashville.
The encouragement and support we received through the Venture Devils program reminds us that people across the country believe in this mission and want to see it succeed.
For everyone who has supported TY4YK along the way, thank you.
Your kindness continues to move this work forward.
And as always, thank you for your kindness. 🦋
