Happy 5th Birthday to The Ruth Project!  In just five years we’ve exploded from serving five families and 25 children and are now reaching over 260 families and 1000+ children.  Now that’s something to celebrate! 

This celebration was the focus of our Annual Dessert Soiree Fundraiser held last month at the Highland Loft in Elgin. Ruth Project Champions hosted tables of over 200 family and friends coming to learn what the Lord has done and the vision for what’s ahead.Founder and Executive Director Tammy McMahan shared the story of The Ruth Project, from the miraculous Elgin Boutique to the beautifully spacious land of The Farm.  She shared story after incredible story of the Lord’s abundance through the generosity of so many who have caught the vision of caring for modern-day orphans and shared the need to expand our reach to orphans aging out of the system who need support.

The River City Rhythm Barbershop Quartet launched the evening in song, including “Happy Birthday.” Each table enjoyed their own birthday cake with the root beer floats and vintage candy from the old-fashioned soda fountain, plus incredible sweet and salty charcuterie cups designed by our catering team leads Risa and Rick Grochowski.Keynote speaker Pastor Elliott Anderson shared the Lord’s charge to care for vulnerable children and his own family’s story of living that out.  Then, Kimberly Schmidt read Tilda Tries Again, a sweet book we share with children to help them understand what it feels like for a child their age heading into the foster care system. Everyone was gifted a copy with the charge to share with others or a child in their life. The evening ended with an invitation to join The Story – our community of monthly donors who are vested in walking alongside foster families and changing the trajectory of children’s lives. 

Will you consider joining The Story too?  Commit to strengthening families one month at a time and be a part of what the Lord is doing for families and children at The Ruth Project for another five years and beyond!