July 2025

The Ruth Project

Splash Fun in the Sun at Raging Waves

On June 19 over 130 of our foster family members descended upon Raging Waves Waterpark for a day of splashing fun in the sun. It was our big summer event for Ruth Project families, who were gifted park admission and lunch together. Huge smiles on the kiddos’ faces said it all as they meandered the Lazy River, zipped down slides, and braved the Wave Pool. Everyone went home very tired but filled with life-giving memories!

“Naomi’s Circle” is a special group of women making a difference for The Ruth Project through multiplied giving. Together we vote on “behind the scenes” needs and donate $100 each to make a collective impact. Our first quarter vote was unanimous for a commercial freezer for Dash and Dine meals; our second gathering voted for greatly needed round tables and chairs. Let’s grow the Circle wider with new friends! Register for August 26 and bring friends, moms, daughters, and grandmas! You can also join remotely from afar. 

A huge thank you goes to our friends at Pedal & Spoke in North Aurora, who gifted 36 bikes to Ruth Project kids, including those hand-delivered by our team in The Ruth Project van. These children were thrilled to receive their own bikes to pedal through the summer! Over 50 still need one; if you have a gift-worthy bike to donate or feel led to order a new one, we can help! Reach out to Info@RuthProject.com.

Thirty women from across Harvest Bible Chapel visited The Farm for a sweet time of fellowship and serving. New friends were made as we shared a meal and quick tour before digging into work projects. Some painted fences, some painted barn lights, and others decorated gift bags, cupcake boxes, and birthday cards for Dash and Dine birthday gifts. Thank you ladies, for a lovely and productive evening!

July’s Mom’s Night Out was truly one to remember, thanks to MC Beauty in Sycamore. We partnered with them to gift Ruth Project moms with hair washes, head massages, and blowouts. After a light meal at the Farmhouse, we headed to the Salon and enjoyed sweets, making friends, and being pampered. Thanks also to Kay Teeter, who provided Mary Kay hand and shoulder cream massages and so abundantly loved our moms!

June’s Dash and Dine was a very special one! It was hosted by our dear friends at Village Church of Bartlett.  This sweet church has supported us and our families in so many ways — helping at the Boutique, painting Farm fences, landscaping, making casseroles and desserts, and so much more. Last month, they asked to assemble the Dash and Dine boxes and host the drive-thru at their church. They did it all – then carried the Party Boxes with birthday and shopping bags out to our families’ cars, greeting them and getting to know them in a personal and loving way. Thank you VCOB for this special care! 

Thanks to a wonderful group on a recent Saturday morning, The Farm was spiffed up for summer! Flower beds everywhere were weeded, freshened, and filled with color. It’s a big job to make sure every corner of The Farm looks pretty and neat – and these volunteers made it happen. Special thanks to Northwestern Medical who really wanted to learn more about The Ruth Project while serving as a group.

Congratulations to our sweet Hannah Zabran and husband Zac on the birth of their baby girl Zoey! Many of you know Hannah from the Boutique and have been asking for an update. Zoey Irene was born May 1, so is already well over two months old. She’s delighting her parents with plenty of smiles and outdoor adventures! All three are settling in together as a little family.

The Ruth Project is thrilled to partner with Ethan Cartwright, member of the Christian Outdoor Adventure Group Trail Life. Ethan is pursuing Trail Life’s highest and most prestigious honor, the Freedom Award, by leading a project that benefits the community. He’s chosen our Activity Path “Art Spot” at The Farm, and is responsible for designing, stocking, and landscaping the themed shed for the Spot. He’s also required to raise $3000 for all materials needed, such as paint, shelving, supplies, landscaping materials, benches, and plexi-glass. Ethan chose The Ruth Project because he was once an orphan who has been blessed by adoption – and has four adopted siblings, too! Will you help Ethan achieve his goal? Any amount will help! Donate here>>Art Spot Support