Back in November right around Thanksgiving, our Foundation received the most beautiful note from Amy Ruth-Swart. I remembered Amy from a long time ago because we have known her family from way back. I had not spoken with her in years. In part, her message read: “....We began following the story of your beautiful sister upon hearing of her diagnosis, and our mom was diagnosed with lung cancer not long after your sister was diagnosed. We lost our mom after her 18 month battle last April. I am deeply sorry for the loss of your father, too. We share in the knowledge of the journey, the importance of hope, the sorrow of the loss, and the power of moving forward with a renewed sense of what it means to support others.” Amy went on to tell us about the Santa Party that she hosts each Christmas for all of the kids of their family and friends where Santa makes a surprise visit. Through this party, they have established a tradition of giving…to show support to a fund or local organization “that is important in our area, or has touched the lives of someone close to us.” In previous years they have supported the SPCA, the Son Light House in Muncy, The Children’s Development Center, and last year, the Nolan Heart of Steel fund. “This year,” Amy wrote, “we would like to support the Team Kass Foundation and specifically the Harnessing Hope Bags initiative.” (Pause to wipe away the tears from my eyes…) What a blessing to be a part of this community! What a blessing to have supporters like Amy and her family who believe in our mission of hope! We are honored to be mentioned along with these other great causes, and so fortunate to have been selected as the recipient of their generosity this year. We communicated with Amy over the past several weeks to provide all of the information she needed for her guests. Well, this past Saturday was the big day. Here is Saturday’s note from Amy: “We just wrapped up our Santa Party. Big turnout. Lots of magic in the air as Santa arrived. And...a wonderful display of generosity by our guests – all in support of the Harnessing Hope bags. Amazing. We have collected $302 of monetary donations so far – a few guests will probably mail donations. And LOTS of items to fill the bags. The Harnessing Hope bags are a special way for so many of us to put our hearts into making a difference. My heart is full, and so pleased we can help out. Love to all of you!” Thank you to everyone who was a part of this effort, most especially, our blessings to Amy. May your wide-open heart be filled with love this Christmas and may the memories of your dear mother live on most vividly in the beautiful moments - like this one - that you create for others. Merry Christmas and God bless!
Posted on: Mon, 22 Dec 2014 20:53:25 +0000
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