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One Caldwell Academy student’s concern for the homeless has turned into an annual fundraiser and earned her an award.

Caldwell Academy senior Tyler Perkins will be honored during the National Philanthropy Day awards presented by the N.C. Triad Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals on Nov. 22 .

She will receive the 2010 Outstanding Philanthropic Youth of Guilford County award for her work on organizing “Dance for Hope” to benefit the Greensboro Urban Ministry.

“I was so surprised because I didn’t even know I had been nominated,” Perkins said.

After seeing some homeless people while riding in the car with her mother, Perkins, 17, got inspired to help them.

“It was a particularly cold evening and I remember thinking that I wished there was something I could do to help,” she said.

Both Perkins and her mom are students at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio. After watching and admiring the instructors, who are champion ballroom dancers, they thought people might be interested in paying to watch them dance.

“I furthered the idea with the suggestion of contacting local venues to see if they would allow us to use of one of their ballrooms for the night,” Perkins said.

“I thought someone might be willing to donate or greatly reduce the price of a ballroom for an event benefiting Greensboro Urban Ministry.”

That’s how “Dance for Hope” was born. The 2009 and 2010 events raised a combined total of $16,275. Her goal for the 2011 event is $15,000.

“It helps not only homeless men and women, but homeless families,” Perkins said. “Urban Ministry provides food, shelter, and support for those in need in a compassionate, professional manner.”

Urban Ministry is not the only organization for which Perkins volunteers. She and her family also participate in the Operation Christmas Child program through Samaritan’s Purse and sponsor a child through Compassion International.

While the family at Caldwell Academy are proud of Perkins’ accomplishments with “Dance for Hope” and her work with the Greensboro Urban Ministry, this is the type of behavior reinforced by the school.

“Her leadership in organizing this annual fundraiser and her compassion towards the homeless exemplifies what we encourage Caldwell students to do — to serve sacrificially and to demonstrate faith, hope, and love in our community,” Caldwell head of school Mark Guthrie said.

“We are so proud of Tyler and the way she is using her God-given gifts to help those in need.”

After graduation, Perkins is hoping to attend Elon University or Wake Forest University for undergraduate studies. Her goal is to attend the N.C. State College of Veterinary Medicine.

Contact Tiffany S. Jones at 373- 7157 or tiffany.jones@news-record.com