6. Event recap: Andy's 4th Birthday Party and Fundraiser!

The village showed up in full force for Andy’s 4th Birthday and Fundraiser at Lamb’s Farm! For the first time since we received Andy’s diagnoses just over one year ago, we were able to gather everyone together from all of our many circles of life to celebrate Andy. We had family - grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who now have their own spouses and children to join our growing group.  Friends that span our elementary, high school, college years and career years.  Families we have met through adoption, the kids’ schools, and therapy centers.  Andy’s crew of dedicated teachers, therapists, and service providers who spend day in and day out with him and know him as well as they know their own children.  Looking out at everyone, singing happy birthday, the love and support was palpable and brought me to tears. So many of you have been with us in spirit over the past year, it was so special to be there in person, sharing these memories with you.

We had a great, truly fall day to celebrate Andy!  We were so excited to be able to partner with Lamb’s Farm for our celebration to be able to help support their cause.  If you are unfamiliar, Lamb’s Farm provides job and life skills training and work opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities.  They have many arms of their organization, such as a pet store, greenhouse, antique store, and a bakery, but we took over their party room in their restaurant, The Magnolia Cafe, while our guests had the chance to explore their farm yard, feed the animals, play mini golf, and explore the grounds.  We leaned into the farm theme, decorating with farm animal balloons and cupcakes, and spent the day chatting and celebrating with those closest to Andy.

In lieu of gifts, we asked party attendees to instead donate to the GoFundMe benefitting Andy’s ongoing medical costs.  We are so grateful to announce that, after the party, we are so close to our goal!  If you would still like to contribute to our fundraiser in honor of Andy’s fourth birthday, please visit www.allforandy.com/donate. 

We also now have a few additional ways for people to contribute to our fundraising, while also spreading awareness!  We now have a merchandise store, where you can buy hats, shirts, sweatshirts, and pants with the All for Andy logo and $10.00 from each sale goes towards our fundraising goals.  Additionally, you can visit our website to buy an All for Andy pin or sticker, where $4.00 from each sale goes towards our fundraising as well!  Help spread awareness and look good while doing it!

Again, we thank you for all of your support, love, and encouragement.  Watch this space for more information coming soon about a new social media page and email newsletter, coming soon!