Our Community is AMAZING - Let's Join Together on Aug. 17 for "All Out for the Andersons' Community Gathering"

On behalf of Ben, Luke, Katie, Matt, and the Anderson and Menante Families, thank you so much for being a huge part of helping reach our fundraising goal that we have together met and exceeded! It is the immeasurable generosity of each and every person, business and nonprofit that has made it possible to reach the goal of easing the future financial stress as the family faces the unknown caring for Ben in the coming months. 

We know that all contributions represent a personal sacrifice and the size of that sacrifice is different for everyone. We are humbled and honored at the outpouring of love extended through every donation—the hundreds of individual donations, the support from Helping Hands, Give Hope, For the Kids Foundation, Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, Youth First and Think Kindness, to the incredible “Bracelets for Ben” movement by The Players North 08 Soccer Team.  Friends, through their businesses have also hosted fundraisers for us—Jackie Peacock at BODYPow, Ashly Sloan-Brinkly at Boards and Brush, Heather Cannon at Cannon Fitness and John and Joanna Reynolds from the Yoga Pod.  Moreover, the Andersons have received countless amazing meals through Meal Train and friends check in to see if there is anything needed from the grocery store.  Friends have loaned quads, offered vacation homes and helped with chores at home.  The kindness and generosity is truly astounding.  And last but definitely not least, the prayers that are being lifted up daily—locally and globally—for Matt and Katie and the boys sustains them on this journey.  Each and every contribution matters - and they matter far beyond the financial impact to Matt and Katie. 

Please know all contributions will be used to support the Andersons directly and stewarded based on the fundamental belief that Matt and Katie have in giving and supporting organizations that are focused on research for childhood diseases. For those of us that know our dear friend Matt's fiduciary integrity and frugal character, we can all rest assured the donations are going to be stewarded accordingly!  So far $6,000 has been used for a therapy hot tub for Ben.  We know that receiving money is not easy.  At the same time that it shows love and support, every envelope is equally a sad reminder of how serious the circumstance is and often times unbearable to open.

Where do we go from here…

And yet, even with all this, still everyday people are asking what else can be done to help. As expected, the situation is constantly changing and what is needed now will be different than in the future. What you have told us, that is needed now, is the coming together in a show of support on August 17th starting at 5:30pm for a Community Gathering at Washoe County Golf Course. Not only are we continuing to fundraise because the size of the financial need is truly unknown, we are together to share a meal and spend time together, pray, share, show our support and provide an opportunity for kids to get involved in helping Ben.  Kid's activities will be focused on making an art quilt for Ben, threading bracelets and other art projects.

Please RSVP so we can ensure we have enough food and supplies for everyone. Here is the event information. (Suggested donation of $25/adult)

We are looking for a small number of auction items (ideally a value of $200 or more). If you would like to contribute, that would be AMAZING! Here is a quick donation form.  

Above all else, we are so grateful for everything that everyone is doing to surround the family with love and support. Thank you.

With Love,

Friends of Ben, Luke, Katie, and Matt