It has been seven months since our last newsletter. We hope and pray that you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy during these challenging months. So much has happened since April – many lives lost to COVID-19, addiction, and suicide. We feel the pain and heaviness for all those who are deeply hurting from a mental or physical illness or the loss of loved ones.
In our last newsletter, we remembered Jeremy on his 11th year of eternal life, and also a DECADE remembering Jean (Jeremy’s brother). Time cannot heal a wound that is forever open; however, time does bring unexpected changes we can never foresee.
JSRF had a series of unprecedented events this year. Due to the pandemic, for the first time since the inception of the Foundation, we did not sponsor teens during the summer months of 2020. In early June, we had eight teens lined up for various sports camps but due to a COVID outbreak at the high school all camps were canceled. Although the summer recreational activities were put on hold, we were able to sponsor a few teens prior to the lockdown. In early January we sponsored teens from St. Francis de Sales Parish to attend Kairos retreat. Before the end of this year, it is our hope to aid CJA (Chicago Jesuit Academy) with a sponsorship that will support young men that battle food insecurity as well as the struggle with systemic racism every single day of their lives.
Also for the first time, our yearly Yoga, Wine & Chocolate fundraiser and our Treetime fundraiser had to be canceled because of the pandemic. This year JSRF is encouraging you to donate on #GIVINGTUESDAY to other non-profit charities. We would prefer that donations benefit charities that focus on feeding or housing the underserved, supporting those battling addiction or suicide prevention, and other services that are needed during these very difficult times. When the time is right JSRF will resume our fundraising efforts to sponsor teens in safe and fun environments.
On a more personal note, we would like to share with you some exciting news that helped shed some light on a rather somber year … JSRF welcomed its newest member: Theodore Jay Pasquesi (Stom) born in October to Sayra and Joe Pasquesi –Jeremy and Jean’s little nephew! Notice that Theo is sporting whales to show his support!
Finally, during this season of thanksgiving, we thank each of you for continuing to support JSRF with your time and generous donations. We wish you and your families a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.
Deck the Halls
