The Foundation Evolves

March 24th 2014. The second anniversary of Abby’s passing. A day of introspection and trying to find peace. I make a decision. It’s time to start developing a different type of relationship with my daughter. She’s not physically here with me but I know she is here. March 25th, I create a Facebook page called Abby’s Light. Within months the page grows. I find an outlet to express my love for Abby. The page is a test for myself. Think of Abby as she lived. All the positives no negatives. It becomes a living breathing page. It is Abby’s Light. It evolves not just as a page but a legacy.
Kindness is what Abby represents. We fight back the loss with positive efforts. Her birthday becomes a day for acts of kindness. Literally through the help of friends, acts of kindness small and large are happening in many parts of the world. The following year, our county in Pennsylvania, Bucks County becomes Random Acts of Kindness Day on her birthday. The day is featured in our local news paper and the popularity of the Abby’s Light page grows by 50 percent. November 19th will be considered Random Acts of Kindness day in Bucks County every year.
March of 2015. Abby’s Light spins off into a program called Abby’s AOK (Acts of Kindness). With Abby’s giving spirit in mind we give gift cards to random people and children. The children receive gift cards from Justice Clothes Stores. The adults receive Starbucks cards. At this point we are not a nonprofit, tax exempt organization. We do however, through the generosity of friends, family and strangers receive over a thousand dollars for the program. It is a huge success! Feedback from recipients is heartwarming. Abby’s spirit is alive.
My mind is constantly churning what more can be done. Should we form a charity? The startup would be daunting. Wait. I have a degree in business. I’m a fast learner. Why can I not do this when others can? I jump in. I do what is needed to form a nonprofit corporation and become tax exempt for potential donors as well. I made the decision, I learned, I formed a board and here we are!
The Abby’s Light Memorial Foundation became official on June 8th 2015. We are just getting started and approaching this in a methodical fashion. The foundation will succeed. I know that in my heart of hearts. This is for Abby! Children will smile and Abby will be that inspiration.
Stay tuned and watch this evolve. Abby’s Light will NEVER be extinguished!