February 2025

The Ruth Project

2024 in Review -- Look what the Lord has done!

Over 250 guests at our Annual Dessert Soiree heard Michele Bauchmann share how the Lord has raised up The Ruth Project as a great model program for taking care of foster families, and “there’s nothing like it anywhere else in the United States!” Founder and Executive Director Tammy McMahan also shared the charge for 2025. Thanks to all of you and our treasured Table Hosts for making this a “sweet” event that raised nearly $105,000!

Families, volunteers, and friends gathered on a picture-perfect day to walk The Farm Activity Path for our first Foster FUNdraiser Walk. Thank you sponsors! Kids loved walking one mile to support foster families. Don’t miss our Second Annual FUN Walk on April 12!

Dash and Dine is our most popular event. Our “Party in a Box” helps families create life-giving memories while being reminded they are known, cherished, and loved. Our Elgin Chick-fil-A community partner tops it off each month with a hot meal for the journey home!

What a true Christmas gift “Parents Night Out” was! Our precious Ruth Project couples gathered at the Farmhouse for a lovely candlelit dinner, lots of laughter, and lively conversation. New friendships were made and old ones strengthened.

You can’t believe what the Lord can do on a single Workday at The Farm. Hard-working volunteers link arms indoors and out to keep The Farm looking spiffy. Landscaping, cleaning, painting, building, sweeping — there’s a job for every age and ability!

Our precious 2nd Grade friends from Harvest Christian Academy took another Farm Field Trip. Every Fall and Spring, these teachers and students come learn about the animals and The Farm while doing service projects such as writing encouragement cards. It’s always so meaningful!

Christ Community Church linked arms with us to host a Fall Festival for families from The Ruth Project, The Foster Initiative, and Safe Families. Over 150 guests walked our Activity Path, painted pumpkins, played games, and had a picnic under the sugar maples. We’ll do it again this Fall!

So many of our kiddos just LOVE Grandpa’s Workshop and never miss the opportunity to build a kit and swing a hammer. They learn about tools, woodworking, and how to relate these skills to our journey with the Lord.

Our Boutique overflowed with Christmas cheer and 250 guests at our very first Christmas Adventure! Lots of games and prizes ended with a visit with Santa and the Chick-fil-A cow. Every child received a gift – and every family was gifted hot Chick-fil-A to end their Adventure!