The very first check I wrote, I cried.
The act of writing a check can hold more weight than the mere transfer of funds. It can symbolize hope, progress, and the tangible impact of collective efforts.
During the inaugural meeting of the Orange Effect Foundation, held in a meeting room of a local coffee shop, six of us gathered with a shared mission: to make a difference in the lives of children facing communication challenges. We approved a grant to purchase a speech device for a 13-year-old, and as I filled out the check in a mini ceremony for the board to witness, I couldn’t hold back the tears.
That moment captured the essence of our foundation’s journey – the journey fueled by passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our cause. Over the years, we’ve made tremendous strides, thanks to the generosity and support of individuals like you. We often share our statistics with you, which even after 8 years, I find remarkable!
Behind the Numbers: Stories of Resilience and Courage
Our grants exceed $100,000 per year, and our statistics speak volumes: 399 children supported across 39 states, 104 speech devices provided, and over 7,400 hours of speech therapy facilitated.
Yet, behind these numbers lie stories of resilience, courage, and hope. I want to share just a glimpse of the impact your contributions have made in the lives of two recent grant recipients.
Empowering Lives: Two Stories of Impactful Grants
Meet Baba, a 12-year-old 6th-grade student from Wisconsin, grappling with Cerebral Palsy. Despite having an AAC device, Baba’s journey to effective communication has been fraught with challenges. His mother, recognizing the importance of maximizing his device’s potential, sought additional support. Unfortunately, financial barriers stood in the way. That’s where the Orange Effect Foundation stepped in, granting $2,000 for specialized speech therapy to empower Baba on his communication journey.
Then there’s Max, a spirited three-year-old battling Speech Apraxia. With limited verbal abilities, Max relied heavily on gestures to express herself. Her family, determined to equip Max with the tools for success, enrolled her in Early Intervention and Speech Therapy. However, financial constraints threatened to derail their efforts. With the support of the Orange Effect Foundation, Max’s family received a grant of $2,500 for a year of once-weekly speech therapy, paving the way for significant progress before her school years begin.
These stories exemplify the profound impact of every donation, every grant, and every check written by the Orange Effect Foundation. They remind us that behind each statistic lies a unique journey, a family’s struggle, and a child’s potential waiting to be unlocked.
To all our donors and supporters, thank you for being the driving force behind these stories of transformation. Your contributions are not just financial transactions; they are lifelines of hope, empowerment, and possibility.
Together, let’s continue to make a difference, one check at a time.
