The morning of May 4th was exciting for The Children’s Room community as in-person activities are back!
We were happy to host more than 300 guests at our annual Circle of Hope Breakfast on Thursday morning at the Westin Waltham after having held our trademark event virtually for the past three years due to COVID-19 restrictions. It was heartwarming to see our community reconnecting and meeting new faces as well.
The morning began with coffee and light breakfast as our Executive Director Jon Gay kicked off the program. He welcomed our guests and spoke about TCR’s vision in his opening speech.
“Our vision at the Children’s Room is threefold: first, to provide comprehensive grief support services that empower children and families to navigate their grief journey; second, to foster partnerships with schools and communities, raising awareness and building a network of support; and third, to educate and train individuals, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to effectively support grieving children in their own communities.” – Jon Gay, Executive Director
The Children’s Room Executive Director Jon Gay and Board Member Katie Gorczyca, with alums Ayelen Herrera and Emi Larsen White
TCR alumni Ayelen Herrera and Emi Larsen White took to the podium next as they shared their personal grief journeys and experience coming to TCR.
In her speech, Ayelen talks about the impact TCR has had on her since joining the programs after her father’s death. She says, “I gained valuable experiences and opportunities to nurture the rest of my grief journey. I’m also grateful that I can still be a part of The Children’s Room today as part of the monthly teen group experiences.”
Similarly, Emi shared her journey of coming to TCR as a widow and grieving mother following the death of her husband Peik. Emi, in her moving speech, talks about her experience in the Parenting While Grieving group. “We all were together in the openness of this space, feeling our collective sense of grief and longing. Over the weeks that I attended that group, I cried and laughed. And I started to learn how to navigate the world of grief.”
Our guests also heard from some of our alums, who came to TCR as children and teens, share about their journey and how The Children’s Room has impacted their lives. Watch the video below:
Following the powerful and moving testimonials, Board Member Katie Gorczyca closed off the program by speaking about her time as an alumn and former volunteer before asking our guests to make their pledge donations.
“The doors to The Children’s Room are always open. There is a myriad of ways in which you can help beyond your donation: whether it is coming in for a tour of our beautiful, Victorian home in Arlington OR connecting us to valuable contacts with businesses, foundations, or other community organizations that might support our mission.” – Katie Gorczyca, Board Member
After a successful event, The Children’s Room is delighted to share that we exceeded our $100,000 challenge match in new and renewed multi-year Circle pledges. Based on our initial count, we have already raised close to $500,000 with the most 5-year Circle pledges ever! We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who came and those who continue to support us in our mission– to provide a safe space and supportive community so that no child, teen, or family has to grieve alone. Only through your most generous support are we able to provide all our services free of charge for the children, teens, and families that need them the most. Thank you!
