Sometimes, a Birthday Is More Than a Birthday
At just seven years old, Ellie had already experienced far more hardship than any child should have to know. There were times when she was hungry. Times when her most basic needs were not met. Times when the care, comfort, and protection every child deserves were simply not there. For Ellie, childhood had been more about surviving than celebrating.
But this year, something changed.
Because of the generosity of the Spring Run Charitable Foundation and the members of Spring Run Golf Club, Ellie received something that may seem simple to many of us, a birthday cake and a gift chosen especially for her. But to Ellie, it was so much more.
For the first time in her life, Ellie blew out birthday candles.
We later heard what happened when everyone gathered around her and sang “Happy Birthday.” Ellie was so excited. She closed her eyes, made a wish, and proudly explained that she couldn’t tell anyone what she had wished for because she had learned that birthday wishes might not come true if you share them.
Think about that for a moment.
A little girl who had known so much uncertainty was closing her eyes, making a wish, and imagining something she hoped might come true. For those few precious minutes, Ellie wasn’t defined by neglect, hunger, or foster care.
She was simply seven years old.
She was smiling.
She was being celebrated.
She was holding a gift meant just for her.
She was blowing out candles on a cake chosen especially for her.
And she was learning something every child deserves to know:
I matter. Someone cares about me. My birthday is worth celebrating. Maybe my wishes can come true.
Ellie’s caregiver was so touched by what that day meant to her that she sent this drawing to Jessica Kaestner, Director of A.N.A.’s Friends, asking Jessica to make sure we received Ellie’s thank-you.
A child’s drawing. A child’s thank-you. And a reminder that what may feel like a small act of kindness to us can become a treasured memory for a child.
That is what your generosity can do.
The Spring Run Charitable Foundation isn’t simply raising money. Together, we are creating moments of hope.
Through the generosity of the members of Spring Run Golf Club and our supporters, SRCF helps provide opportunities for healthier lives and brighter futures throughout Lee and Collier Counties. We support organizations working to improve education, health, and medical care, and we do it through the generosity generated by our fundraising events and our community.
Be Part of What Comes Next
We have some exciting opportunities ahead, and we hope you’ll join us.
Step back into the ’70s at our Main Event – Saturday, January 30th!
Get ready for disco, Freddie Mercury, bell-bottom pants, leisure suits, Farrah Fawcett hair, and plenty of fun. And don’t forget your bidding paddle, our Silent and Live Auctions will give you plenty of chances to take home something special while helping create brighter futures for others.
Then, tee it up for a great cause at our Annual Golf Outing – Saturday, February 20th!
Channel your inner Johnny Miller. In 1973, Miller shot a remarkable 63 at the U.S. Open. Maybe you can match it or at least dress like him while you give it your best shot!
And then…
Lace Up for Spring Run’s First Stride
Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars. Pro-Keds. Adidas Superstars. Nike Cortez. Puma Clyde. If you’ve got them, put them on. If you don’t, whatever you’ve got will work! We are taking our First Stride together at our Walk-a-Thon on Saturday, March 20, 2027. Walk. Volunteer. Sponsor. Donate. Or simply come cheer us on. Every stride helps create opportunities for children and families who need someone to believe in what their future can become. Just like Ellie.
Your Support Can Create the Next Moment
There are countless children and families in our community who need opportunities to experience something many of us take for granted. A safe place, a chance to learn, access to healthcare, encouragement, hope, or simply a moment when someone says,
“You matter.”
You can help make that moment possible. And this year, we’ve made giving easier. No more trying to track down a Spring Run Charitable Foundation Board Member to hand over a check. You can now make a secure donation online with just a click. Visit springruncharity.org and click the Donate button at the top of the page.
Your gift may become a birthday cake.
It may become an educational opportunity.
It may help provide access to healthcare.
It may support an organization changing someone’s life.
You may never know exactly where your gift will lead.
But somewhere in our community, someone will feel its impact.
And sometimes, that impact looks like a seven-year-old girl closing her eyes, making a wish, and blowing out birthday candles for the very first time.
Thank you for helping us give children like Ellie something every child deserves the opportunity to hope for a brighter tomorrow.