SmartSitter Stacey T. encourages the SmartSitting community to show their hearts
In a summer filled for many of us with sunshine, vacations, and time with our loving families, it is important to take some time out and help those with less bright summers. Today, we’d like to share information with you on how to help the Berry family in Houston, TX.
SmartSitter Stacey Tavor, one of our top last minute SmartSitters, asked us to pass along this message to the SmartSitting community, as there are many ways that New Yorkers can help this family out.
Stacey: A terrible tragedy happened to a family from my hometown of Houston, Texas. On July 2nd, Robin & Joshua Berry were driving in West Texas with their three children, on their way home from a family trip to Colorado. While on the highway, another driver got distracted while driving and veered into the wrong lane, instantly killing parents Joshua & Robin. All 3 children were injured, with Peter, 9, & Aaron, 8, paralyzed from the waist down. Daughter Willa, 6, suffered broken bones. The children are now orphans and will live with their aunt and uncle. Currently the two boys are at the Shriner’s Hospital in Illinois where they are receiving rehabilitation treatments and Willa is staying with family friends. In addition to the incalculable emotional tolls, the children’s medical, therapy and future bills will cost between $5-$10 million dollars.
This story has reached people and news channels across the world and even celebrities have shown their support. Justin Bieber and his manager have started a foundation, Show Your Hearts (www.showyourhearts.org), which will help facilitate funds to the children. People from around the world, even perfect strangers, have donated to the family. The minimum donation on Show Your Hearts is $5. No donation is small. The family appreciates any help they can get.
In addition, a fund, the Josh and Robin Berry Children’s Trust, has been established in their name. Additional information is available at http://www.facebook.com/BerryChildren.
Robin Berry was my wedding coordinator. She was such a kind, vivacious woman. This tragedy has made me re-think how I want to live my life. I tend to “sweat the small stuff”. I don’t want to do that anymore. I want to change my life for the better. I think this story is so important for everyone to know about. Give your kids an extra hug today. Tell your spouse/partner/boy or girlfriend that they mean the world to you.
If you can help the Berry family, please do it. There are two New York events coming up and all proceeds will go to the Robin & Joshua Berry Children’s Trust. Here is the information:
Bar Night to help the Berry Children
Date: Tuesday, August 16th from 7-9pm
Location: Gallery Bar- 120 Orchard Street, Manhattan
Tickets: $50 donation includes unlimited wine, beer and well drinks plus one raffle ticket. Additional raffle tickets can be purchased for $10 each.
Contact: robin@rg-pr.com
Sing Along Fundraiser for the Berry Family, featuring ABC Do Re Mi
Date: Sunday, August 21st from 10:30am-12pm
Location: The JCC in Manhattan; 334 Amsterdam Avenue @ 76th Street (Auditorium on the L2 level)
Tickets: $40 donation per family includes admission and one raffle ticket.