Specially Gifted Foundation Q4 2024 Recap

Specially Gifted Foundation Q4 2024 Recap

Welcome to our final quarterly recap for 2024!  Each quarter, we like to reflect on everything that has happened in those last three months within our organization and share it with our community.  Whether you are an existing supporter, looking to get involved with our mission, or even a family that can benefit from our services, we want everyone to see how Specially Gifted Foundation makes a difference in the lives of families caring for children with disabilities.  This last quarter was very successful, and we are excited to shine a light on the events and partnerships that fueled our mission.

Specially Gifted Foundation Gifted Families at Dino-Light Show

Gifted Families Visit DeSoto Dino-Light Show

The DeSoto Theatre is known for putting on great shows, so when you get to share free tickets to a dinosaur light show with Gifted Families it is worth every ounce of excitement.

In October, we connected with DeSoto about tickets to the Dino-Light show.  This innovative production follows the journey of a dinosaur brought to life by a magical scientist.  As the dinosaur explores a vibrant world filled with glowing creatures, he learns valuable lessons about love and friendship.  Audience members are captivated by the unique combination of puppetry, technology, and dance that brings this glowing adventure to life on stage.

We received nothing but raving reviews from the families that attended.  It was also great that the rows we received tickets for were all in the same section, including wheelchair accessible seating.  Our families loved the show and were also surprised with a small dinosaur puppet for the kids to take home.

This is not the first time we have received donated tickets for the families we serve, and we are always thankful for their generosity!  We owe a huge thank you to DeSoto Theatre and everyone involved in running this entertaining light show for families.

A Specially Gifted Halloween at The Sweet Cocoon

We are grateful for the chance to partner with The Sweet Cocoon three years in a row for the annual Trick or Treat for Our Friends with Special Needs event in Rome, Georgia.  This special Halloween event was created for families and individuals with disabilities and special needs to have a safe space to enjoy trick or treating and other Halloween activities.

SGF Co-founder Macey and her family have enjoyed hosting the SGF booth yearly.  They go all in, too, dressed in costume and fully in character.  In addition to traditional candies, there are safe alternatives for those who cannot have candy, such as a variety of sensory items.  Our delicious food vendor partner, Vamos Tacos and Sweet Frog, were also there offering treats for everyone.

This is one of Macey’s favorite community events, of which SGF is a part of.  We are grateful for the resources we have developed through this annual event and the connections that led to partnerships in addition to getting to see some of our existing and potential Gifted Families.

Specially Gifted Gatsby Gala

November 9, 2024 was a memorable night filled with speakeasy charm, Gatsby glamour, and special entertainment.  At our Specially Gifted Gatsby Gala, guests were welcomed in through our Specially Gifted Pizzeria where they mingled and enjoyed delicious pizza.  

Once the curtains were pulled back, we were all transported back to the roaring twenties with live jazz music, flapper girls, and greeted by a martini girl dancing in a giant martini glass.  Guests tried their luck at the casino tables, bid on raffle prizes, and left with themed photos from the photo booth as souvenirs.  

In addition to the delicious food and specially crafted cocktails, Southern Roots allowed our guests to taste test a premium bloody mary with a side of oysters.

We may be slightly biased, but the atmosphere was absolutely magical.  Some of that sparkle was coming from the Kendra Scott booth.  It was such a pleasure to host some of the team members from East Cobb Kendra Scott to showcase some of their beautiful pieces, with 20% of all purchases going back to SGF’s mission.

The evening was a celebration of Specially Gifted Foundation’s fifth year as an organization serving families caring for children with disabilities and the impact from our mission during these last 5 years.  Our team also had the greatest privilege of honoring the dedication of Mai Lee from Advance for Kids and recognizing the care and compassion she has given this community.

As our first honoree, we presented Mai Lee, who is an occupational therapist and owner of a pediatric therapy clinic, Advance for Kids, since 2003 with two locations in NW Georgia, with a plaque to commemorate more than two decades of service to this special community.  She has been a light for SGF many times and someone our young organization has looked up throughout our journey.  

Not only is she an incredible human being, but Mai Lee and her Advanced for Kids teams have greatly affected the lives of countless SGF Gifted Families.  They also sponsor our annual community event, Spring in the Valley, and are personal donors of the organization.  

To know her is to respect, admire, and adore her.  Thank you, again, Mai Lee for the exceptional example you have set in advocating and serving families and individuals with disabilities.

Our gala was a true testament to the power of community coming together for a great cause, and the success of the event will enable SGF to continue providing vital resources and services to those in need.

As we bid farewell to the enchanting era of the 1920s and return to the present day, the spirit of unity, celebration, and support from the Specially Gifted Gatsby Gala will continue to inspire us.  

We are grateful to all who attended, sponsored, volunteered, and supported the event, and we look forward to seeing you at future events as we continue to make a difference, together.

Q4 2024 Gifted Families

Meet Cash and his family!  Cash, the youngest of four, was diagnosed with autism and global developmental delay at a young age.  He requires ABA therapy several days a week and his family works hard to balance his needs with those of his older siblings.

Cash loves being outside, but his tendency to elope poses a safety risk.  His parents identified a need for backyard fencing to provide him with a safe space to play outdoors.  We are grateful his parents reached out to SGF for this need.  

The fencing project was completed in November 2024, and we are overjoyed knowing that this gift will not only help to ensure his safety but also provide endless hours of adventure and play.

Our team and board members were so excited to meet Cash’s parents in-person at our Specially Gifted Gatsby Gala!  They continued to express their gratitude to SGF and our generous supporters for welcoming them as a Gifted Family.

Meet Renleigh and her family!  Renleigh, a sweet and spirited little girl, was diagnosed with autism, ADHD, global developmental delay, and fine motor skills delay at a young age.  Her grandparents, who consider themselves the lucky ones to have her in their lives, have gone above and beyond to ensure her happiness and safety.

They have recognized her love for playing outside and swimming, but have faced challenges when she refuses to walk due to sensory overload.  In an effort to provide her with the freedom to enjoy these activities, they requested a special needs stroller to accommodate her size and needs.  Additionally, they sought a sleep safe bed for her safety and comfort.

Renleigh received a folding ultralight transport wheelchair, a new platform bed with accessories, and a new mattress, along with a gift card, to support her continued growth and well-being.  Her grandparents said she loves getting in cubby-like, small spaces, and has loved having that option with her new bed that has a curtain to create a “secret hiding” space.

Specially Gifted Foundation Giving Tuesday 2024

Giving Tuesday is a global day to recognize the importance of giving back with opportunities to make a difference.  Each year, SGF chooses an applicant family for our Giving Tuesday campaign.  It’s a big day for fundraising all over the world and we want to ensure that our supporters see the direct impact they are making when they choose SGF for this special day of giving.

This year’s inspiration came from a mother that had made a promise to always provide for her daughter and never quit fighting for her.

Meet our first Gifted Family from Giving Tuesday, Zariyah and her family!  Zariyah’s journey has been one of immense challenges and incredible triumphs.  Her mother calls her a miracle because she has defied all odds against her, starting at birth.

Zariyah has received several diagnoses at such a young age, including cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, hypotonia, scoliosis, and quadriplegia.  Through every diagnosis, her mother has been there as her sole provider doing everything within her power to give the best care to Zariyah and her sister.  

To help strengthen her body and aid in development, Zariyah’s mom wanted to get her an adaptive bicycle from Freedom Concepts.  However, these types of equipment are much more expensive than any bicycle you will find in department stores because they are custom designed to accommodate the child’s needs.

She had already raised crucial funds needed but was still in need of just over $3,000.  Thanks to our 2024 Giving Tuesday donors, SGF was able to cover the remaining balance to gift Zariyah a Freedom Concepts adaptive bicycle.

Specially Gifted Foundation’s 2024 Giving Tuesday campaign raised $4,685 of our $5,000 goal, thanks to nineteen generous donors!  Some of these donors were our Gifted Families, which brought us all to tears.  

All of this made it possible to apply the rest of the funds towards gifting our last Gifted Family of 2024.

Meet Hayden and her family!  Life started off difficult for Hayden, as early as pregnancy.  After she was born, her parents had a brief moment where they thought the hard part was behind them.  However, they soon realized their fight had only begun.

Hayden was diagnosed with a genetic condition and autism early on and has struggled with low muscle tone and developmental delays.  She has shown incredible resilience through it all, including years of therapy and hard work.  Her mother also expressed their relief at finding a supportive school environment that caters to her needs.

One day, Hayden’s family was out shopping for a bigger bike for her sister when she asked, “Where’s my bike?”  Her mother desperately wanted to be able to show her a bike that was hers, but traditional bikes do not offer the accommodations and safety features that she needs.

It was such an exciting opportunity to be able to gift another adaptive bicycle from Freedom Concepts, and no we did not plan this.  

Now Hayden will be able to join her sister and the kids in their neighborhood as well as her family for bike rides.  Her mother described Hayden as being a great teacher of patience, compassion, and inclusivity, so to be able to gift her something that rewards her being patient, spreads a message of compassion, and represents inclusivity was such a joy.

Specially Gifted Foundation is nominated and chosen to receive donation from Lapham-Hickey Steel

Lapham-Hickey Steel in Rome, GA Gives Back to SGF

Several months ago, Ashley Elrod nominated SGF to receive a donation from her dad’s place of business, Lapham-Hickey Steel in Rome, Georgia.  Each year, they submit a nonprofit for the program and in November we found out that SGF was chosen to receive a $15,000 donation!

Ashley has not only been a long-time supporter of SGF, but she is also a member of the fundraising committee, volunteer, and blog contributor.  Professionally, Ashley is a Occupational Therapy Assistant, and is one of the therapists that helps to design and run our SGF Kids Game Booth at our annual Spring in the Valley Festival (SIV).  

Both of Ashley’s parents have been connected to the SGF organization since the beginning.  Her mom, Linda, has been an integral part of getting the Floyd County Fire Department involved at SIV and her dad, Kenny, and the company have also been a supporter of our annual Specially Gifted Golf Tournament.  

SGF Co-founder Macey Belter has also had a long-standing relationship with Ashley and her family as they grew up as next-door neighbors.  What started out as a young friendship, carpooling to and from school and sport activities, turned into a meaningful and professional partnership.

This was such a blessing for SGF, and we are eternally grateful for this connection we have built on over the years.  Their donation will have a profound impact on the families we serve.  This entire experience was another testament to the strong community SGF is building and we can’t wait to see how we continue to make a difference, together.

Make a Difference with Specially Gifted Foundation

What a blessing it is to be here, recapping our impact in the final quarter of 2024.  From meeting our annual goal of gifting 10 new families to celebrating five years of serving our mission at our Specially Gifted Gatsby Gala, the last three months of the year was more than any of us could have imagined.

We are grateful to each and every one of our supporters and Gifted Families for where we are today.  Each of our team and board members have personally witnessed and experienced the many ways SGF is helping to enrich the lives of families caring for children with disabilities.

Looking ahead, we are excited to continue advocating for the families we serve, breaking down barriers, and spreading love and acceptance in our community.  Thank you to everyone who helped SGF make an impact in Q4 2024!

Take a look at previous quarterly recap blogs for 2024:

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Andrea Silvers
Andrea Silvers grew up in Rome, Georgia. She currently resides in Calhoun, Georgia with her husband and their son. Growing up with special needs siblings brought Andrea to SGF where she takes pride in her role as the Community Relations Director.

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