As I sit here watching my almost 9-month-old son in his jumper I cannot stop thinking about two things. 1. Chris left us 11 months ago. 2. In such a short amount of time the Unsung Siblings Foundation has done so much…and this just the beginning.  On Veterans Day, we hosted our first Gala and Casino Night. It was such an incredible success because of all of your help and support. The next day, while ecstatic about raising more than a hundred thousand dollars, our only thought was, “what’s next?”.  This foundation’s sole purpose is to support the special needs and veterans communities and we are committed to working hard every day to ensure your trust, loyalty and continued support.  We wanted to send you an update on some of the donations we have made to date and what’s to come.

We donated twenty thousand dollars to Paws of War, an organization that professionally trains and places service dogs with veterans with PTSD and/or disabilities. If you were at the Gala you heard from or met the CEO along with some of the veterans, and their dogs, that have benefited from this program. On December 23 rd , we got the call that our donation assisted in placing a dog with a female veteran that suffered from PTSD. We all helped change a life. We felt like Chris was working hard to make this happen. This was the first, of many, Christopher Ryan Grants.

A few weeks after the gala we were approached about a special family. They have six children and one of the youngest is autistic. Their 13-year-old daughter, who is an exceptional student, was unable to attend her high school of choice, St. Francis Prep. Over the Christmas break we met with the mother and daughter to go over her transcripts and get to know them better. We were blown away by them both but at thirteen years old, her maturity and respect of hard work really helped us make our decision to help. Not to mention about 15 people reached out on their behalf saying they were a special family. Within days, we worked with admissions at Prep, an interview was set up and we are delighted to report that as of today, she is a student at St. Francis Prep. The Unsung Siblings Foundation has committed to her full tuition for the next 3.5 years. We believe in investing in a bright future and look forward to seeing the great things Roisin Garry will accomplish. This was our second Jonathan Ryan Grant and we look forward too many more.

So what now?   What started out as a family foundation to honor siblings of special needs individuals has evolved into one that is continuing that mission and honoring Chris’ memory. This has quickly turned into a huge responsibility and undertaking. This is a good thing.  We have changed our status as a 5013c nonprofit and are now a public nonprofit foundation which allows us to accept public sponsorship and funding.  We have assembled a board of directors. This board consists of a variety of individuals – not only family members – that we believe will help grow the foundation. We will have quarterly meetings and will be focused on growing the foundation.  We have assembled an executive committee. These individuals will assist the board in fundraising efforts and brainstorming new ideas.

Evening of Enlightenment DATE: Thursday, May 23 rd at 6-10. LOCATION: The New Hyde Park INN Unsung Siblings Foundation is excited to bring you some of the most insightful spiritual psychics and mediums in New York. Spend the evening supporting an important cause and be read by the likes of Bobbi Allison, Kim Russo, Gina Simone and many more. We will have card readers, astrologers and much more.  Join us for a magical night! Price: $150 per person

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First Annual Unsung Siblings Golf Outing DATE: Tuesday, July 9 th LOCATION: Harbor Links Golf Course.  Price: $300 per golfer / $1,200 4some Includes, breakfast, lunch and dinner + Open bar. Dinner Only: $100.00

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Save the Date 2 ND ANNUAL GALA AND CASINO NIGHT DATE: Monday, November 11 th LOCATION: Crest Hollow Country Club Price: TBA Bigger and Better than our first. An unforgettable night to gamble and dance the night away. Great raffles too!

Shout Out's Angela Amato is a rockstar! Angela was always so supportive of Chris and she is not slowing down.   Angela's daughter Alexa and her friend Ali DiMaria (Pictured) led the charge with the St. Mel's Scouts Silver Project Fundraiser. On February 27th they partnered with Five Guys Burgers and Fries and they chose Paws of War as their organization to donate goods to in Christopher's honor. The total amount raised is $1,500. What an amazing group of girls led by incredible moms! Thank you Alexa and Ali and all the Girls Scouts for supporting Unsung Siblings Foundation and Paws of War.

What’s the point of all this…? We want you to know that we are working extremely hard to being a foundation you are proud to support.  Our website is ready and it’s an incredible resource for everyone especially people unfamiliar with our foundation, updates to our community and for you to see what we are doing.  A family friend, very generously, offered to redo our website free of charge. Come visit us at UnsungSiblingsFoundation.org. I leave you all with this. Through our darkest of times is when we learn the greatest lessons of all. This I know for sure. Each and every one of you have shown our family the kindness and love we needed during this truly heartbreaking time. We can never fully repay you but know we will honor each and every one of you and our Chris in what we do moving forward. Love to all.  Kimberly Ryan Levin Vice President, Unsung Siblings Foundation