Over the years, Hephzibah has been the grateful recipient of countless fundraising events or activities initiated and organized by generous kids and teens who selflessly take the initiative to help Hephzibah’s children and families. Each year, many individuals, Girl Scout troops, church youth groups and high school service organizations hold parties, drives and activities to raise funds and/or to purchase items from the Hephzibah Wish List – all to benefit children and families in need.
When Annie Larson of Oak Park was in third grade, she organized an Easter egg hunt for her neighbors and friends that everyone loved. When she decided to do it again the following year, her mom, Kate, suggested making it a fundraiser, and Annie chose Hephzibah. Each year since, the Easter egg hunt has grown in size and scope – Annie now scatters more than 1,000 candy-filled eggs at a local park, and more than 70 kids, including children from the group home attend. The event has raised several thousand dollars in cash and donations for the group home.
“Hosting the egg hunt has been an amazing experience that I will never forget,” the St. Giles eighth grader says. “I have learned how to ask people, as well as stores, for donations, through emails as well as in person. Planning the event had taught me time management and organization. Doing the event has given me the opportunity to learn more about the amazing things that Hephzibah does for children. I love this event as well as your organization, and can’t wait for next year!”
“I think Annie’s insight to where her efforts go has been the most meaningful part of the process,” says her mom, Kate Larson. “She has asked for help along the way minimally; she has proven to be very independent in this process. We are proud of her desire to make the egg hunt a fun event for all who attend. We have most enjoyed watching the children from the Hephzibah Home enjoy the egg hunt along with the other children. And of course, we have been very proud of watching Annie grow in responsibility and desire to help others.”
Recently, 7-year-old Calvin Epsom from Hoffman Estates invited friends and family who attended his birthday party to donate to Hephzibah. When he and his mom, Anne, visited the house to present the donations, they were so inspired by the visit, they are now organizing an outing for the group home kids later this spring at the local fitness organization where Calvin’s party was held.
In recent years, many children and groups have held sock or diaper drives to benefit children and families Hephzibah serves or used funds raised to purchase items listed on our Wish List. Many generous teens have named Hephzibah the recipient of gifts and donations in celebration of their bat/bar mitzvah. And, the teens in Oak Park River Forest High School’s Huskie Helpers are planning an end-of-the year party for the children in the group home.
“The desire of these children and teens to help others is so inspiring and we are so grateful to be the beneficiary of their generosity,” says Juliet Yera, director of development. “Their leadership and compassion for others should give everyone great hope and confidence because these kids are our future.”
If you are interested in learning more about hosting an event or activity to benefit Hephzibah, please contact Marissa Grott, Donor Relations manager, at mgrott@hephzibahhome.org.
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