If you’ve met me within the past five years and asked my age, you would have simply heard “thirty” – no matter when you actually asked. But, this 1982 baby embraced 35 with open arms.
Last year was truly monumental – I became mommy to an amazing boy and had the privilege of developing Aging UP. So, rather than a big 35th celebration, I had an idea. What if I asked people to substitute a gift to me for a donation to Aging UP?
Typically, I celebrate birthdays in a low-key fashion, meeting one-on-one for coffee or in small dinner gatherings with family and friends. Special celebrations might involve a weekend getaway with my husband or girlfriends. Though enjoying time with others still sounded great, instead, I asked for those gifts to be turned into donations for Aging UP.
It seemed the most fitting gift as my only wish is to begin Aging UP’s important services of matching youth with experience in foster care to screened and trained mentors. So, I shared several requests for donations on my personal Facebook, Instagram and Twitter profiles.
It was a humbling and touching experience to see family, friends, and colleagues contribute funds. I’m thrilled to share that these incredible people donated a total of $905! As we near our financial goal of beginning services in fall, these funds bring that goal closer to reality. Now that’s something to celebrate!
And it’s not too late to make my wish come true. You can become one of Aging UP’s founding supporters. Monthly gifts, of any amount, will help create sustaining funds so we can increase the number of youth who receive services. One-time donations will help enhance our recreational and educational programs.
Please consider giving today at agingup.org/donate.
Thank you,
April Johnson
Co-founder
