Some of the most powerful moments at our events aren’t scripted, they come from simple acts of kindness. Lucky’s Royal Rescues began as one of those moments. It's a story that's not only worth sharing, it's another example of how meaningful moments create the ideas that are the foundation Share in the JOY is built upon.
During our second HoliJOY event, we were approached by a community member with a generous donation of 100 Fluppy Dogs. We decided to turn those stuffed animals into a magical adoption station, giving children in foster care the chance to “adopt” their very own furry friend.
What happened at our event? Children, many of whom were still waiting to be adopted themselves, lined up, excited to give these plush animals a home.
We ran out of Fluppy Dogs halfway through the event! But the JOY they created was undeniable, and this would be a part of HoliJOY going forward.
Last year, knowing this station would be a highlight again, we tried to find a donor but couldn’t. Instead, we invested $2,000 in stuffed bears. We really couldn't afford this expense, but at the same time we couldn't NOT afford it after seeing the impact these adoptions had. We named the station Beary Merry Adoptions and it was sponsored by Champions for CASA.
Was it a good investment? One of our volunteers shared a story after the event that proved it absolutely, positively, most definitely was.
A young boy, eight or nine, came up to the adoption station whom she described as shy, quiet, and a little unsure. She knelt down next to him and explained what the bears were for and that he could 'adopt' one to take with him. He warmed to her and stepped forward to table where the bears were laid out. Before deciding, he said softly,
“I really hope that someday I’ll be adopted.”
She said she had to gather her emotions as she gently assured him that one day he would be. When he decided on the perfect one she asked what he would like to name his bear.
He paused again and asked:
“If I get adopted… can I bring my bear with me?”
Her heart melted. Of course he could.
As they brainstormed for the right name, he couldn’t find one that felt right and again mentioned that he really just hopes that someday he will get adopted. A name filled her heart and she shared it with him. He smiled, nodded and they filled out the simple 'adoption' certificate.
She said he had a big smile as he walked away with Hope, his newly adopted friend, in his arms.
Not only was Hope at HoliJOY last year, the Henderson Silver Knights joined us as well with their mascot, Lucky. They saw firsthand the magic of HoliJOY and the impact our Beary Merry Adoptions station had on the children attending.
Two weeks after the event, the HSK team reached out with a gift that will make this year's HoliJOY even MORE magical!
The Silver Knights donated over 1,000 stuffed animals collected through their Lucky’s Launch event, a tradition where fans bring new stuffed animals and throw them onto the ice after the Silver Knights score their first goal.
This incredible donation will save us thousands of dollars and ensure that hundreds of children at this year’s HoliJOY will get to experience the same JOY, magic and Hope as the young boy who touched the heart of our volunteer who shared the story.
To express our gratitude and honor their generosity, we created a new name and logo for the adoption station:
✨ Lucky’s Royal Rescues ✨
We submitted it to the Silver Knights for approval, and we’re thrilled to share that not only was it approved, Lucky and his team will be back at HoliJOY to celebrate with us!
This year, Lucky’s Royal Rescues will give even more children who attend our signature event a chance to adopt a stuffed friend of their own. One that was donated by their generous fans. A friend they can carry with them. And if they need a name that fits... Hope.
