Sponsor Spotlight: Junkluggers & ReMix Believe in the Power of Community

Supporting children and families, one community at a time

For Junkluggers and ReMix, giving back is about more than business—it’s about investing in the people and families who make a community thrive. As longtime supporters of Better2gether, Andy and his team understand the importance of creating a community where every child has the opportunity to grow, connect, and thrive. 

We recently heard from Andy about what inspires his partnership with Better2gether, a memorable experience that has stayed with him, why the Halloween Hustle holds a special place in his heart, and how local businesses can make a meaningful difference for families of children with rare and chronic illnesses. 

A Personal Connection to Better2gether’s Mission

As a father of two, including a son with special needs, Andy has a personal understanding of the challenges families can face when seeking answers, resources, and support for their children. 

More than 30 years ago, his son, Hunter, experienced hearing loss and eventually became one of the first pediatric patients to receive a Med-El cochlear implant at just two years old. 

Reflecting on his family's experience, Andy shared, “I look back on our own personal struggles back then, and I can really appreciate the effort that B2G has gone to, to provide support and resources for families to get what they need as they navigate the path of treatment, therapy, and social interaction.”

Andy first met Better2gether Executive Director and Co-Founder Stephanie Becker approximately 10 years ago, when Junkluggers and ReMix launched. Through that connection, he found an opportunity to support an organization addressing critical needs for local families. 

For Andy, supporting children is both a personal commitment and a community responsibility. As he explains, “There is no bigger responsibility in any community than the children and future generations that will lead that community forward.”

A Moment That Captured the Heart of Better2gether

One experience in particular has stayed with Andy and his team: a Better2gether Christmas party two years ago.

Andy remembers the sounds of laughter and children's excited shouts filling the room as kids sat on Santa's lap and unwrapped gifts. But what made the moment especially meaningful were the expressions on the parents' faces as they watched their children—and their siblings—simply enjoy being kids.

“There were no doctors, no charts, no tough decisions being made,” Andy recalled. “Just families together celebrating the season and the true meaning behind Christmas!”

For Andy, that moment captured something important about Better2gether's work. Beyond providing resources and guidance, Better2gether creates opportunities for families to step away from the demands of medical care and simply experience joy, connection, and community together.

Why the Halloween Hustle Matters

As a supporter of Better2gether's Halloween Hustle 5K and Kids Run, Andy and his team see firsthand how the event brings families together for a fun, inclusive experience while raising essential funds for Family Navigation. 

One of the most meaningful parts of the day is watching children participate in the Kids Run, where they can run, laugh, and enjoy time with other kids in a safe, supportive environment. 

“We love being able to work directly with the kids and to see their smiling faces,” Andy shared. “We are always so impressed with the creativity of the costumes and the sound of the kids' laughter.”

Just as meaningful are the smiles on parents' faces as they connect with other families who understand their experiences. The Halloween Hustle creates space for families to feel welcomed, included, and part of a community that gets it. 

Investing in Families Strengthens the Entire Community

Andy believes local businesses have an important role to play in supporting the communities where they live and work. When businesses invest in organizations like Better2gether, they help families access resources and services that can make a meaningful difference in their lives. 

As he puts it, “The more support within the community, the better the families WITHIN the community will fare.”

That commitment reflects the broader approach at Junkluggers and ReMix, which centers on doing right by both the environment and the communities they serve. 

A Message to Other Businesses: Find Your Way to Give Back

For businesses considering a partnership with Better2gether or getting involved in the Halloween Hustle, Andy's message is simple: Every contribution matters, whether it comes through financial support, volunteering, or another meaningful way to help. 

“The feeling you get helping an organization (and the families within) like Better2gether, be it financially or through volunteering, will fill your organization with a feeling of value and appreciation far greater than reaching a quarterly financial or sales goal.”

Andy also emphasizes that giving back can strengthen connections among employees, customers, and the broader community. 

His advice to fellow business leaders? Find a way to give back. Supporting local families isn't just good for the community—it's an investment in the people who help that community flourish. 

Thank you to Andy, Junkluggers, and ReMix for being part of the Better2gether village! Your commitment to creating an inclusive community and supporting families of children with rare and chronic illnesses helps make programs like Family Navigation and events like the Halloween Hustle possible. 

Together, we're helping more families find the resources, connection, and support they need—because no family should have to navigate the journey alone. 

Want to join the village? Learn how your business can support Better2gether's mission and the families we serve by getting involved with the Halloween Hustleor exploring partnership opportunities.