Hope Academy for young boys in need

Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit Crossroads Hope Academy Incorporated, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about Crossroads Hope Academy Incorporated: Our mission is to provide stability, education, and future preparation for teen boys who have had multiple failed foster placements in the Florida foster care system.

To my dearest family, friends, and colleagues,

To bring you up to speed, four years ago at age 65, I collapsed out of nowhere and was diagnosed with Parkinson's and Lewy Body dementia. Both diseases affect your physical and mental capacity, incurable and life-shortening. For three years, I suffered debilitating symptoms, was forced to retire, and had my driver's license revoked. Through the grace of God and my fierce determination to never give up I recovered, never knowing if it would resurface and never looking back. The doctors are still running tests to evaluate how I recovered. In the words of one neurologist, “ you are a walking Miracle - keep walking!”

I decided last year I always wanted to live in Florida in a warm climate where I was no longer confined to bad weather and enjoy every day I have left. It drove me to write a 400-page book, my Memoir, which I will publish shortly if you're interested in taking a look.

It drove me to devote myself to gathering the gifts God gave me, sharing them with those in need, and leaving any room a better place than when I entered. I also committed to never dwelling on the past and finding light where there is darkness and goodness in everything, no matter how bad it may seem, not judging others.

In my spiritual and physical commitment to making the world a better place, I discovered Crossroads Hope Academy. Hope Academy is an all-boys 11 to 17-year-old institution run by its dedicated director John Davidson and is solely devoted to Housing, Sheltering, and mentoring foster children in the state of Florida. Many of the boys struggle with personal and emotional issues, truly having nowhere else to turn to or a home or family of real support.

They are the subjects of being removed from their families at an early age. Most failed to assimilate into foster homes. It is their last stop before adulthood and a critical time to be guided to enter the working world, often on their own. Collaborating with Director John Davidson and Bo, and the great staff at Hope academy, I decided to help make this holiday as special as possible for the boys.

I am asking all of you and anyone you know who would be interested in helping us provide the boys with a special holiday treat to donate what they can. We planned a bowling day with all the boys at a local Lane. They will be treated to unlimited food and drinks and a few hours of competitive bowling, and they are looking forward to a lot of fun. This will take place the day after Thanksgiving, so your quick response to this letter is critical.

The next event will take place the Saturday before Christmas. We will take all the boys to a group dinner at a local, high-quality Italian restaurant to enjoy a great Italian dinner and receive gifts with the money you have provided. Whatever proceeds are left after paying for the events will be distributed equally to all the boys in Amazon gift cards. I would ask you and anyone you know to consider contributing what you can to make this a memorable holiday for these boys. They are indeed angels and special children with great hearts and a lot of empathy. Please help me make this a special time for them.

Non esiste tropo amore

There is no such thing as too much love.

God Bless and have a great holiday season,

Steve