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Be Inspired

Be Inspired: Meet Francesca!

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Meet Francesca (Cha Cha)! She is kind, funny, and grateful.

During the recent storms that have plagued New England, Cha Cha’s family lost power in their home and evacuated to a nearby hotel. While they were staying there, her mother asked her how she wanted to celebrate her upcoming 11th birthday. Instead of focusing on the turbulent weather conditions or her own hardships, Cha Cha thought of those in need.

“I told my mom I did not want any presents and I wanted to make a donation to families not as fortunate as ours,” Cha Cha wrote. Struck by her daughter’s kindness, Cha Cha’s mother reached out to The B Fund to learn about fundraising opportunities. Using The B Fund’s fundraising platform, Cha Cha set up her own birthday fundraiser to help families caring for critically ill children.

Specifically, Cha Cha chose to devote her efforts to providing housing, since she realized how fortunate her own family was to have shelter during difficult conditions. Cha Cha learned that each week of patient family housing costs approximately $100, so she decided to raise enough for two weeks of housing.

“While we were in the hotel I realized how lucky I am never to worry about housing,” Cha Cha explained, “A family should only have to worry about their children getting well, not about where they are going to sleep and rest.”

As of the date of this posting, Cha Cha has almost tripled her fundraising goal, raising nearly $600! This will provide six weeks of patient family housing to a family or group of families.

To get to know Cha Cha better, we asked her for some fun facts:

  • Her favorite color is purple.
  • Her favorite food is strawberries.
  • Her favorite movies include the Harry Potter movies, Narnia, and Pitch Perfect.
  • Cha Cha loves to read! When asked about her favorite toy, she said books.
  • Her favorite song is “Like I’m Gonna Lose You.”
  • Cha Cha said that when she grows up, she wants to be happy. What a great answer!

Cha Cha is truly an inspiration for using her birthday to give back to those in need! Her fundraiser is a powerful reminder that we can always choose kindness and empathy, even when faced with hardships of our own.

If you or someone you know wants to set up your own birthday fundraiser, set up a page here!

Do you know someone who’s using their time, talents, and treasures to help those in need? Nominate them to be featured for our “Be Inspired” piece! Email us at info@thebfund.org for more information.

Be Inspired: Brody Raises $1550 for Meal Vouchers

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This November, Brody, age 10, was selected for a Summer of Service Grant from Disney and Youth Service America (YSA). He was one of 270 young leaders chosen throughout the country to facilitate a project making communities healthier, greener, and stronger.

The grant assisted him in implementing a project aiming to raise $1500, the amount required to provide one month of vouchers for two parents caring for a critically ill child. When a family stays in the hospital, meals cost approximately $25 each day. In an already stressful time, these meals can provide an unnecessary burden, so meal vouchers can make a big difference.

Brody decided to reach his goal by organizing several of The B Fund’s signature activities: a Sweet Sale, a Recycle Drive, and the Halloween Candy Drive.

Brody’s Sweet Sale engaged 24 children of all ages, who took the time to bake delicious sweets for the holidays. The treats included cookies, candied apples, and even a Barbie Cake! The sweets were packaged in tins and sold to families for their holiday parties. At the end of the sale, the items completely sold out, and Brody raised $697.31 toward his fundraising goal.

Brody also held a Recycle Drive in his fourth grade class at Field Elementary School in Weston, MA. For this project, his classmates brought recyclable bottles, cans, and other containers to be exchanged for cash. This drive engaged 20 students, who donated 39 plastic bottles, 8 paper bags, 12 cans, and 36 plastic containers toward Brody’s fundraising goal.

Lastly, Brody played an integral role in The B Fund’s 5th Annual Halloween Candy Drive. He helped to invite his school to participate in the drive and organized materials by sorting all of The B Fund’s flyers and cards for the elementary schools in his native Weston. Overall, 301 students at Brody’s school created treat bags for families in local hospitals with their donated Halloween candy.

Throughout his project, Brody maintained a fundraising page to update friends and family members about his progress. In addition to participation from his various events, this page also helped Brody reach his goal, as several individuals donated directly to his page.  

When asked about his experience, Brody said, “It felt really good knowing that I got to have an experience with my friends. Together we were able to do a good deed for a family caring for a critically ill child.”

At the end of his project, Brody not only met, but exceeded, his initial fundraising goal! He raised $1550 toward meal vouchers for a family in need.

Brody was thrilled when his efforts were featured in his local newspaper, the Weston Crier. Read more about his grant project here.

Do you know someone who’s using their time, talents and treasures to help those in need? Nominate them to be featured for our “Be Inspired” piece! Email us at info@thebfund.org for more information.

Be Inspired: Meet Dare!

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Meet Dare! He is driven, compassionate, and mentally tough.

Dare has partnered with his local Boys and Girls Club in Dorchester, MA to organize a screening of the movie Black Panther for children in the area. The movie is based on the popular comic book series by the same name, which is notable for having featured the first African-American superhero in mainstream American comics.

Many children served by this Boys and Girls Club would not otherwise be able to afford to see Black Panther on their own. Determined to empower these kids, Dare decided to start a GoFundMe page to cover the cost of movie tickets and refreshments. As of January 23, 2018, Dare has raised $1,800 toward his overall fundraising goal of $2,000!

“I think it’s important for kids to see superheroes that look like them on the big screen,” Dare wrote when asked what inspired him to get involved, “My goal is to empower them.” Dare also attributes his desire to give back to his background and religious beliefs.

“Being a Christian and African, it’s part of my beliefs and values to always help others in need,” he wrote, “It also makes me feel good helping others.”

Here are some fun facts about Dare:

  • His family and friends would describe him as loving, caring, and passionate.
  • As a child, his favorite toys were toy planes.
  • His favorite app is Instagram.
  • His hobbies include playing sports, spending time with family, and reading.
  • He believes that helping others feels rewarding.

We ask The B Fund kids to answer the question, “What will you be?” to encourage them to think about the change they want to create. Dare answered this question by pledging to be the difference.

Dare is truly an inspiration for his desire to make an impact on a community in need. His efforts show that collective acts of kindness can make an enormous impact, as 24 people have contributed to his fundraising page thus far. By facilitating the fundraiser, Dare has not only helped to empower children in Dorchester, but he’s also inspired each of his donors to take action and be the change!

Do you know someone who’s using their time, talents, and treasures to help those in need? Nominate them to be featured for our “Be Inspired” piece! Email us at info@thebfund.org for more information.

Be Inspired: Meet Dianna, Stephanie and Candace!

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Meet Dianna, Stephanie, and Candace!

From left to right: Candace Lyons, Dianna Abrams, Stephanie Vogt

All three of these ladies were instrumental in implementing a Be Bag Drive that engaged nearly 200 participants at Temple Sinai of Sharon and its preschool, Gilson JCC Early Learning Center. Altogether, their community created 80 Be Bags that will provide families with a special diversion as they await treatment in area hospitals.

Since they all played a role in making this event a resounding success, The B Fund would like to highlight all three in this week’s “Be Inspired” piece!

Dianna, Stephanie, and Candace are all heavily involved with JCC Greater Boston (JCCGB), one of the largest Jewish organizations in the Boston area. It strives to promote Jewish life and connect families to activities in the region to create a greater sense of community.

To get to know each of these women a bit better, we asked them a few questions:

Stephanie Vogt can best be described as sweet, caring, and compassionate. She enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures, and she is involved with Children International in addition to JCCGB.

When Stephanie learned about The B Fund, she loved its purpose immediately, as she loves organizations that help and support children. When asked why it is important to help others, she said, “Everyone can use a helping hand at some point in one’s life. It makes me happy to see someone else smile.”

Here are some fun facts about Stephanie:

  • Her favorite movie is The Notebook.
  • If Stephanie had one hour to herself to do anything, she would get a massage.
  • Her favorite toy as a child was an indoor climbing structure.
  • Her favorite app is Facebook!
  • She thinks that helping others feels fulfilling.
  • Stephanie’s friends and family would say that she is thoughtful, hardworking, and loving.

The B Fund asks kids to consider how they will make a difference in the world by answering the question, “What will you be?” Stephanie completed this sentence by pledging to be “a helping hand.”

Candace Lyons can best be described as loyal, caring, and funny. She loves reading, traveling, and doing arts and crafts with her family.

As a Family Connector for JCCGB, Candace plans programs and events for families in the Boston area. She finds this role rewarding because it connects her to families in the area and helps other families to make similar connections.

When asked why it is important to help others, Candace said, “We only have one chance to live the best life we can, and helping others is not only personally rewarding, it can mean the world to someone else. As a mom, it’s even more important to me to show my girls that there is a world beyond our home and that helping others can connect them to our community.”

Here are some fun facts about Candace:

  • Her favorite movie is Beetlejuice.
  • Her favorite toy as a child was her Cabbage Patch Kid.
  • Her favorite app is Facebook.
  • Candace thinks that helping others feels very rewarding!
  • If Candace’s family had to describe her, her husband would say that she is dedicated, her daughters would say that she is loving, and her friends would say that she is a good listener.

The B Fund asks kids to consider how they will make a difference in the world by answering the question, “What will you be?” Candace completed this sentence by pledging to be “a positive force.”

Dianna Abrams can best be described as kind, empathetic, and nurturing. She loves working out and writing, and, like Candace, she is a Family Connector for JCCGB.

This winter, Dianna wanted to plan a service-oriented event for Temple Sinai of Sharon’s Tot Shabbat. After hearing about The B Fund on a radio program, Dianna decided to reach out and inquire about kid-friendly activities. When she learned about our signature Be Bag program, this seemed like the perfect holiday activity for the Temple Sinai community!

When asked why it is important to help others, Dianna said, “I feel we are raising our children in a world that was tougher than when we grew up. I find it so important to teach our children and the next generation that the world can be a beautiful place but it is up to them to make that difference.”

Dianna strives to set a good example for her children in everything that she does. When asked to reflect on how her closest friends and family see her, she wrote, “I hope my children and my family see me as someone who will always put their needs before my own. I hope they know I always give my best to make their world a little more fun and light!”

Here are some fun facts about Dianna:

  • Her favorite movie is Rudy.
  • Her favorite toy as a child was her soccer ball.
  • Her favorite app is Instagram.
  • Dianna believes that helping others feels fulfilling.

The B Fund asks kids to consider how they will make a difference in the world by answering the question, “What will you be?” Dianna completed this sentence by pledging to be “kind to others.”

The B Fund is so grateful for all of the hard work that Dianna, Candace, and Stephanie put into organizing their Be Bag drive. Thanks to their dedication and willingness to help, their community was inspired to use their time, talents, and treasures to create fun-filled Be Bags that are sure to brighten children’s days.

Do you know someone who’s using their time, talents, and treasures to help those in need? Nominate them to be featured for our “Be Inspired” piece! Email us at info@thebfund.org for more information.

Be Inspired: Meet Mary Kay

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Meet Mary Kay!

As an elementary school literacy teacher, Mary Kay can best be described as caring, friendly, and busy!

Mary Kay first became familiar with the needs of those who care for critically ill children when her own son, Mickey, was born. Her family spent 8 months on the cardiac floor of Boston Children’s Hospital as Mickey received treatment and, ultimately, a heart transplant. After experiencing this emotional rollercoaster, Mary Kay knew that families like hers were in dire need of support.

She began a drive called “Mickey’s Bravehearts” to raise funds and supplies for the families staying in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU). Last summer, Mickey’s Bravehearts collected over $400 in gift cards for families staying in the CICU, along with dozens of “happy heart” bags to support and comfort these families.

Mary Kay’s personal experiences at Boston Children’s Hospital also introduced her to The B Fund. She wanted to involve her entire school community at Lincoln-Hancock Community School in Quincy, MA in an act of kindness that would help those who care for critically ill children. It was in this spirit that her school became involved with the Halloween Candy Drive.

Each year, Mary Kay implements the drive at Lincoln-Hancock from start to finish, encouraging over 500 students to think about the difference that they can make by sacrificing a few pieces of their treasured Halloween candy. In addition to assisting the families staying at Boston Children’s, Mary Kay knows that this activity is an essential way to strengthen her school community.

When asked why it is important to help others, Mary Kay explained, “Helping people creates unity; there is nothing more bonding than an outreached hand in giving. I believe in the power of making people feel included. I think now, more than ever, it’s what our world needs above all else.”

The B Fund is thankful for Mary Kay’s dedication to serving those who care for critically ill children. Her leadership is an inspiration, not only to the families we serve, but also to her own students who look forward to the Halloween Candy Drive each year.

To get to know Mary Kay better, here are some fun facts!

  • Her favorite movie is Rudy.
  • If she had an hour to herself, Mary Kay would go to the beach.
  • As a child, her favorite toy was her bike.
  • Her favorite app is Pinterest.
  • Her favorite hobbies are anything that involves creating: specifically food, crafts, and photo albums.
  • When asked to describe her in three words, her husband said that she is honest, funny, and loving!

The B Fund asks kids to consider how they will make a difference in the world by answering the question, “What will you be?” Mary Kay completed this sentence by pledging to be “sunshine to someone’s cloudy day.”

Mary Kay’s truly embodies The B Fund’s mission in her commitment to using her time, talents, and treasures (and those of her students!) to serve those caring for critically ill children. As we partner with her school community once again for our 5th Annual Halloween Candy Drive, Mary Kay plays an integral role in shining a light on families in need.

Do you know someone who’s using their time, talents, and treasures to help those in need? Nominate them to be featured for our “Be Inspired” piece! Email us at info@thebfund.org for more information.

Be Inspired: Meet Heather

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Meet Heather!

In the words of her 9-year-old son, Heather is kind, pure-hearted, and willing to help!

As The B Fund gears up for its 5th Annual Halloween Candy Drive, we wanted to take a moment to highlight a woman who has played an instrumental role in orchestrating the drive for several local schools. Last year’s drive was our most successful to date, raising $10,000 for critically ill children and their families and inspiring over 3,500 individuals to donate their Halloween candy.

Heather went above and beyond to engage the communities of Upham Elementary School and Horatio H. Hunnewell Elementary School, both in Wellesley, MA. She reached out to families, planned and coordinated several events, and, in total, inspired over 500 students to give their Halloween sweets to those in need! Her helpful, can-do attitude was an inspiration to all who participated.

In addition to her efforts with The B Fund, Heather is on the board of the Ellie Fund. This nonprofit provides support services to breast cancer patients to relieve their burdens while in treatment. When Heather’s close friend was diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age, the Ellie Fund was incredibly supportive to her and her family. Heather wanted to help provide this kind of assistance to families going through similar experiences. Heather’s commitment to the cause intensified when her own father was diagnosed with lung cancer and she experienced firsthand the difficulty of caring for an ill family member.

Heather also utilizes her passion for graphic design and photography to help those in need. She frequently assists Boston-area nonprofits with their design work, and she has also helped local business owners create advertisements and website images.

Heather took some time to reflect on what it means to have the opportunity to help others.

“During difficult times in my life I have been the beneficiary of kinds acts and during good times I have had the opportunity to help others,” Heather wrote, “These experiences are both humbling, but in different ways.”

She continued with this thoughtful response:

“I believe it is important to help others as doing so simply makes the world a better place. I feel that individuals who perform acts of kindness will feel happy and optimistic about the world around them and will feel good about themselves. Recipients of kind acts may feel happier and hopeful – and may be inspired to help others when they are able. Helping others can create a richer sense of self and community. I recently read an old Chinese proverb that resonated with me: ‘If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.’”

Some more fun facts about Heather:

  • Her favorite movie is French Kiss
  • Her favorite app is Sonos, a music app that allows her to play background music everywhere she goes.
  • If Heather had one hour to herself to do anything she wanted, she’d spend it the way most of us would: indulging in some reality TV or Netflix shows!

We ask The B Fund kids how they will make a difference in this world by asking them to reflect on the question, “What will you be?” Heather completed this sentence by pledging to be “the best person I can be. Hopefully I will be a good role model for my children and they will learn to use their time, talents and treasures to help others.”

Heather’s work with cancer patients and their families demonstrates The B Fund’s mission to use one’s time, talents, and treasures to give back to those in need. Especially as we prepare for this year’s Halloween Candy Drive, we truly appreciate all that she does to give back.

Do you know someone who’s using their time, talents, and treasures to help those in need? Nominate them to be featured for our “Be Inspired” piece! Email us at info@thebfund.org for more information.