Naples Browns Backers deliver presents for children with serious illnesses
The Naples Browns Backers arrived Dec. 6 on Avow’s campus with their arms overflowing with gifts, ready to make holiday dreams come true for the 22 children and their families in Avow’s Partners in Care: Together for Kids (PIC: TFK) program.
One hundred presents and gift cards were specifically purchased for children in the PIC: TFK program who are living with a life-threatening or life-limiting illness. Every year, Naples Browns Backer Chapter President Robert Hamilton organizes a long list of items and uses funds raised by group members to make the large purchase possible. Presents range from kitchen playsets, sports equipment, stuffed animals, puzzles, shoes and more, with costs totaling nearly $4,500.
“We are a passionate fanbase that cares about others and the community we live in,” Hamilton said. “Avow is our primary charity, and I know our partnership has done so much good for children and families in our community. We aimed to purchase more presents than ever this year. The families never ask for much and it is always an honor to help in this way.”
Children in the PIC: TFK program are living with a life-threatening or life-limiting illness and are receiving palliative care from clinical staff at Avow, which involves pain and symptom management, expressive therapies, therapeutic counseling for child and family, bereavement support and more.
For the holidays, Avow Kids staff collect letters from children hoping for special gifts from Santa, and the Naples Browns Backers make each child’s dream gift come true. They not only fund and shop for these gifts, but personally wrap them as well. The Naples Browns Backers know that when a child suffers, their entire family struggles, and many aspects of everyday life can become difficult for all members of the family. That is why every member of the household receives a gift, so that all may feel supported during the holiday season.
The Naples Browns Backers are proud to support members of their community in a variety of ways, from monetary donations to hands-on volunteerism. The group inspires philanthropic support through its First and Ten program, which encourages each group member to dedicate just ten minutes a day, or 60 minutes a week, to volunteering at local non-profits. The group also frequently organizes charity events to benefit non-profits, including Avow Kids, the Humane Society of Naples, St. Matthew’s House and others.
Along with their gift purchases, the Naples Browns Backers host an annual charity golf tournament, an annual cornhole tournament, and 50/50 raffles at every watch party to raise funds for non-profit projects. It is their goal to foster a culture of philanthropy and keep the spirit of giving at the heart of everything they do.
