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About Us
And a Boy Named Joey!
What We Do!
Our mission is to positively influence children's lives by empowering them through our impactful programs. Our sports scholarship program provides financial assistance to children who wish to participate in sports but face economic challenges. Our safety program raises awareness about essential safety measures, helping to keep kids and others safe. Additionally, we support animal rescues dedicated to enhancing the well-being of vulnerable animals. Together, we can create a brighter future for our children and our furry friends.
Why?
On the very first day of summer vacation, our nine-year-old son/grandson eagerly set out to fish alone at a nearby pond. In a devastating turn of events, he drowned, an unimaginable tragedy that shattered our lives forever. That day, time felt like it had come to a halt, and the profound loss we experienced has left a permanent and heartbreaking imprint on our hearts. Through this heart-wrenching tragedy, we want Joey's beautiful spirit to live on.
October 13, 2013 - June 19, 2023
" FOREVER 9 "
Let Me Tell You The Story of a Beautiful Boy Named Joey!
To know Joey was to love him. He was not merely an extraordinary boy; he was a shining beacon of joy and love, whose vibrant spirit illuminated the lives of everyone around him. His infectious laughter and playful heart transformed ordinary moments into cherished memories for his siblings and all fortunate enough to know him. His natural talent for making friends allowed him to effortlessly connect with children and adults alike, captivating everyone with his remarkable communication skills, which were truly impressive for his young age. With whimsical pranks and a caring sense of humor, Joey brought a delightful lightness to everyone's days, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts. His memory will live on in all those who knew him.
Once you met Joey, you never forgot him! He was remarkable like that! He had an unforgettable presence that left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered!
Our conversations were filled with excitement as Joey passionately shared his knowledge about dinosaurs and other fascinating topics. His storytelling ability was unmatched, often bringing us to tears of laughter. He had an incredible bond with his Pop, sharing stories and jokes that truthfully highlighted their unique connection. They were close that way! They had a funny and extraordinary bond with one another, indeed.
Joey was an exceptional athlete. His passion for soccer was evident, whether he was valiantly guarding the goal or skillfully stepping in as an alternate striker. He embodied the true essence of teamwork, and his effortless ability to forge friendships enriched the lives of countless others. This is why we need to honor his memory in a meaningful way.
Joey, age 3, with his "GG". He had a Beautiful Connection with her, in fact, she was his "Gurl"!
How!
In Joey's honor, we have established a scholarship program to uplift children who share their love for sports yet face financial hurdles. This initiative reflects his enthusiasm but also extends a hand of support to young athletes striving to chase their dreams. Additionally, Joey's cherished values and deep compassion for animals and the natural world will continue to flourish through our commitment to local animal rescues. Those enchanting childhood adventures, like catching lightning bugs on warm summer nights, remind us of the pure joy we can find in life’s simplest pleasures. This was one of my last memories of Joey, watching him methodically catch as many lightning bugs as he could, and then watching him release them tenderly. But most of all, I remember his giggles as he chased me with the bugs as he released them. Grammie does not like bugs! He was a funny comedian for sure.
The heartbreaking circumstances surrounding Joey’s untimely passing serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for safety education. His tragic loss emphasizes our responsibility to raise awareness among children about the importance of safety in all outdoor activities. By championing this essential safety program, we can ensure that other children can revel in the beauty of life, equipped with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves, just as Joey would have wanted.
Together, let us generate a lasting legacy that reflects Joey’s exuberance for life, his unwavering love for sports, and his compassion for all living beings. Join us in this mission—to remember Joey and actively honor him by creating a deep impact in our community. Together, we can ensure that his spirit continues to inspire us, guiding us to live fully and thoughtfully, as we work towards a safer, more vibrant future for all children.
Although he was with us for only nine short years, Joey had a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. Our memories of him are priceless and will be treasured for eternity.
We have a precious opportunity to keep his spirit and legacy alive through this nonprofit organization. Joey's Gifts is dedicated to supporting underprivileged children and animals in need. We believe every child and animal deserves a chance to thrive and experience joy. With your generous support, we can honor Joey’s legacy and create meaningful change in their lives. Please learn more about our programs; the links are below.
We are deeply grateful for your compassionate assistance in celebrating our beautiful boy, Joey.
Thank you for stopping by!
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."
-- author unknown