Here’s this month’s newsletter filled with ways you – our community! – are making a difference in the lives of children with serious illnesses. We also have some upcoming needs and events where we’d greatly appreciate your support.
The annual Better2gether Golf Classic with presenting sponsor Call Federal Credit Union is taking place on May 16, 2024 at Magnolia Green Golf Course. Your support and contributions will go a long way in providing crucial support services to kids facing serious illnesses. Whether you’re sponsoring, hitting the green, or grabbing a raffle ticket, you’re helping us say “Yes!” to more families in need. See below for more information!
Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter!
Stephanie Becker
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Programs
Surprising Three Brothers with Belated Birthday Bash: A Heartwarming Tale of Community Support and Celebration
Children’s birthdays are more than just a time for balloons, gifts, and cake. They are a time when parents, friends and family members can joyfully celebrate the fact that their special someone is in their lives.
Birthday celebrations can send the message to kids that they are cherished and valued. They can also create a lifetime of meaningful memories.
Chesterfield parents, Sandra and Christian, wanted birthday plans for their three boys (M.J., age 6, George, 8 and Brooks, 10) to be extra special last December.
M.J. has experienced several complex medical challenges over the years that have made it difficult for M.J. and the family to travel. Since all three boys’ birthdays fall within a few weeks of each other in December and January, Sandra and Christian decided to save and plan for a family trip to Universal as an extra special birthday celebration.
After spending only one day in the theme park, though, M.J. became sick. He had to go to the Emergency room and was ultimately admitted to the hospital in Orlando.
The family’s birthday celebratory trip was immediately cut short. While the local hospital generously shared balloons and birthday wishes for M.J. and his brothers, this was far from the celebration the boys and their parents had hoped for…click below to read full story.
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Beyond the Diagnosis: Bridging Art and Science for Rare Disease Awareness
Check out Beyond the Diagnosis where art meets science to raise awareness and inspire research for children with rare diseases.
There are 7,000 rare diseases, yet less than 5% have treatments. People living with these conditions face long diagnosis times, financial hardship, and emotional stress.
The Beyond the Diagnosis art exhibit features portraits of rare disease patients, aiming to put a face to each of the 7,000 diseases. This exhibit travels globally, urging the medical community to see beyond the diagnosis with a focus on the patient.
Art has a powerful way of connecting people. At Beyond the Diagnosis, we believe art creates a unique bond between viewer and subject.
In April, Better2gether is excited to offer a special opportunity to support medically complex kids with rare illnesses! B2g is all about connecting families and providing a network of support. We’re thrilled to partner with the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU to showcase a traveling exhibit of original paintings highlighting children with rare diseases. On April 17th, the unveiling of a painting by local artist Nathalie Godin will be held at the CHOR Pavilion Sky Lobby. B2g is dedicated to letting kids know “you are not alone” through our strong network of families and community organizations. Let’s show these kids they’re not alone.
As part of this evening of recognition and celebration, we are offering MOMENTS, a special parent support group session hosted by B2g in partnership with CHOR. This group session offers educational programming and discussion opportunities for caregivers, creating a supportive community during challenging times and fostering bonding and understanding among family members. During this in-person session, we’ll delve into a discussion about the new Medicaid Cardinal Care Program (formerly CCC+), with Anthem providing insights into its benefits both statewide and through Anthem MCO. This is an example of B2g’s commitment to providing a safe, nurturing, and supportive community for families experiencing the defining moments of caring for a medically complex child.
Thank you for your support of Better2gether and your dedication to helping children. Together, we can bring about positive change and create a lasting impact on their lives!
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Events
Spring is Here and It’s Time to Tee Off For The Kids!
Join Us for the 2024 Better2gether Golf Classic presented by Call Federal Credit Union on Thursday, May 16, at Magnolia Green Golf Club.
Last year’s Better2gether Golf Classic, presented by Call Federal Credit Union, was a smashing success, breaking records for fun while raising funds to support seriously ill children in RVA.
And we’re gearing up to do it all over again! We invite you to join Better2gether and Call Federal as we bring an incredible day of golf, prizes, and fun your way.
But wait, there’s more! We’re thrilled to announce that we’re bringing back the fabulous online Silent Auction with more exciting items plus a Raffle, giving you a chance to win a fantastic Golf Cart from Tiremax Powersports. Buy your Raffle ticket today!
Nestled in Moseley, the Magnolia Green Golf Club boasts a championship-caliber course designed by Nicklaus Design in association with Tom Clark. With wide-open Bermuda-grass fairways, undulating terrain, and elevation changes, it offers challenges for golfers of all skill levels. And don’t miss the signature 18th hole – a mid-length, par-4 with a receptive landing area – providing a spectacular finish to your round.
Don’t miss out! Sign up today!
Join us on May 16, 2024, at Magnolia Green Golf Course.
Want to be a sponsor? Secure your spot today by reaching out to Stephanie Becker at stephanie@better2getherrva.org
REGISTER TO PLAY OR BUY A RAFFLE TICKET
COMING SOON to your Email Inbox! Be on the lookout for the 2023 Impact Report coming your way!
A big thank you for your incredible generosity and ongoing support. Your donations made a huge impact for our Better2gether families in 2023.
The 2023 Donor Impact Report is packed with inspiring stories and heaps of accomplishments, all made possible by YOU.
Look for the 2023 Impact Report in early April!
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Final Days to Buy a Solobo Toys Bracelet and Support Better2gether! Offer Ends March 31st!
Just a couple more days to order your special bracelet and support B2g! Solobo Toys has teamed up with Little Words Project to support Better2gether. Solobo Toys, a Montessori-inspired educational children’s toy company, is on a mission to uplift neurodivergent families. Together, they’ve crafted a special bracelet adorned with the words “be inclusive,” now available through Little Words Project. With each bracelet sold, a portion of proceeds will directly benefit Better2gether. Little Words Project is all about spreading kindness and encouragement, one bracelet at a time. This special opportunity to purchase a bracelet and make an impact runs through the end of March so order your bracelet today! Join us in making a difference!
THANK YOU for your support of this project and families of children with rare and complex illnesses!
Thank you to Courtney Peebles, owner of Solobo Toys for partnering with Little Words Project and Better2gether.
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Don’t Forget to Cast Your Vote for B2g in the Conquest Graphics Non-profit Grant Program
Conquest Graphics, a local Richmond printer, launched a Nonprofit Grant Program to help non-profit organizations positively impact their communities. Recognizing the crucial role of nonprofits and charities in addressing community needs, the Grant Program aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with print and direct mail services.
For non-profit organizations like Better2gether, disseminating their message, promoting services, and creating awareness of their mission is essential to garner support and resources. Through the Conquest Graphics Grant Program, nonprofits can submit their use cases, detailing how they utilize print and direct mail to further their missions. Grants are then awarded to deserving organizations, providing them with discounted printing services to support their communication efforts.
By participating in this grant opportunity, Better2gether aims to achieve its 2024 goals with the support of Conquest Graphics. The grant is awarded based on the use cases submitted by each organization, showcasing how they use print and direct mail to promote their services and programs. Additionally, organizations registered for the grant opportunity receive a year-round 10% discount on printing services.
We’re excited to be part of this fantastic grant opportunity! Click the VOTE for B2G button below to read our grant submission and cast your vote in support of Better2gether!
You can provide resources to a family caring for their child with a serious illness. Here’s how your gift will help:
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