We were overwhelmed to read this today on Harvest Moon's Drive In Page
In the midst of the tragedy of yesterday's Boston Marathon Bombing, we feel it is only appropriate to show that there is still hope for the future in the form of our children. The next generation will help to heal our hearts with stories like this:
This picture is of Alaric Fulton, one of the brightest and most generous 7 year old's I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. The goofy guy on the right is Me, the Harvest Moon's Manager, Ben Harroun. We took the picture below a couple weekends ago when the Fulton Family came out to enjoy a movie, and gave us an amazing gift: a $500 donation to help keep the drive in open. Each gift comes with a story, and this one is one of the best of what humanity can offer. Please read on for Alaric's story:
Alaric was born 7 weeks early and was in the NICU at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago for 26 days. The following March ( His father and and mother also have birthdays within 10 days of their son), they decided to DO something to give back instead of asking for gifts. Katie(his mother) said: "We were so grateful for the care our son received while at Northwestern, specifically in the NICU and were so overwhelmed by the love and support from their staff since the birth was a surprise and we had only planned on being in Chicago for the weekend, not for a month ( since we lived in Monticello), we decided that from that point on we would adopt a service project for our birthday. Our first one that year was raising money for the Northwestern Memorial NICU and social services to say thank you for saving our son and supporting us. We raised more than $1000. Every year since, we each adopt a service project. When the kids were really small, we chose one from them ( usually somehow associated with the theme for their parties) but when our kids turned 3, they got to decide on their own. We decide if we will make things, collect items, or collect money and we talk over and over about what the needs are and how just one little boy, or one small family can make such a huge impact in the lives of others.
This year, our son Alaric chose two service projects. He wanted one to go along with his theme of karate so at the party, the children will be making ninja headbands. One for themselves as a favor and at least one to give to brighten the day of a child at St. Jude's Children's Hospital- a place near and dear to our hearts. When Alaric heard about Harvest Moon closing, he said, " I can give money! I don't want it to close!" He has his own money each week he sets aside to "Give" but he said "my friends don't want it to close either. Can we give money at my birthday?" And an idea was born.
All said, Alaric and his friends raised a total of $500 to donate to the Harvest Moon. As an added bonus, Neal Tire and Auto has agreed to match his contribution equally, and sent an additional check for $500 to the Harvest Moon to help make the facility upgrades we are working on a reality. Alaric, his family, and Neal Tire and Auto have gone above and beyond all expectations to show what you can accomplish with a will, some determination and a big heart.
I think that Katie(Alaric's mom) said it best with this message:
"We give because we want to and we support causes that are important to our family. Spreading the word to others is an added bonus. We hope it inspires others to do the same and to reach out to people and organizations in their community, but also is a special treat to show our children that the more you give, truly the more you receive."
Not only has the Fulton family touched Neal Tire and Auto, but they have touched us as well. We will be launching our new 'Support the Drive In' donation campaign this week. This campaign will be used to raise funds to pay off the new equipment, and to help us upgrade the facility to bring more entertainment, joy, and memories to our patrons.
But this is not enough; After being effected by the generosity of the Fulton family, we will be donating 30% of all the donations we raise this summer with our 'Support the Drive In' campaign to the St. Jude's Children's Hospital. It is an organization we have supported in the past, and wish to continue to support. The organization is the one bringing hope to the next generation, the children that will lead us to a better future with acts such as this.
Please read and share/like this story so that the whole world will know how much one little boy's birthday wish can make a difference.
Thank you!
