Last year, before James' loans were declined, I celebrated my 34th birthday back in my hometown...a day I never thought I'd see...with a low-key fundraiser. All told, my friends and family raised $530 for James, with the intent of surprising him with it, so he could use it for random things kids tend to forget but still need. That's my beloved Grandma and me choosing the 50-50 raffle winner. When I later found out his loans were declined, I remember crying...I was so stupid to think that all he would need might be covered by this small amount of money. Eventually, though, we found a way, when this Tumblr found its way to the screens of so many generous folks.
34, the year I thought I'd never see, has been, hands down, the best of my life. From riding a motorcycle for only the second time since my father died on one in 1986, to getting James to college with #HomelessToHoward, to People Magazine, to launching a nonprofit to help other homeless kids...this has been one heck of a year...35 will be even better, right?
Of course it will be...James is fully-funded for all four years, and together, we now have a charity devoted to helping kids like him, like me.
So, in the spirit of that little hopeful birthday fundraiser, and all that's come since then, I hope you'll consider making a small donation to Homeless to Higher Ed, a 501(c)3 tax exempt public charity.
We only need $325 more dollars to match the $530 raised in 2013.
Happy birthday to me. Thanks for reading. I'm sorry I'm always asking you guys for money.
I miss my Grandma.
Jessica.