There are moments in this work when I am reminded, in the most powerful ways, of how deeply people care about one another. Giving Tuesday was one of those moments. What unfolded was not simply a day of generosity, but a beautiful expression of compassion, unity, and belief in the young people we serve.
Because of you, Giving Tuesday was a remarkable success. Together, we raised $20,500, and I am deeply moved by every gift, every shared post, every message of encouragement, and every person who chose to stand with The Mark Wandall Foundation.
If you are new here, hi. I am Melissa Wandall. I am the Founder and President of The Mark Wandall Foundation, and for more than 20 years, my life’s work has been rooted in two deeply connected missions: advocating for safer roads and walking alongside children, teens, and young adults after a parent, guardian, or sibling has died. What began as a promise made in the midst of grief has grown into a foundation built on connection, compassion, and community for Florida’s youth.
I want you to know that your generosity does more than fund programs. It restores hope. It gives young people spaces to breathe again. It reminds them that they are surrounded by a community that sees them, believes in them, and walks beside them as they navigate life after the death of someone they love so dearly.
From the bottom of my heart, I am grateful.
A Community That Shows Up with Heart
Childhood grief is far more common than most people realize. According to the Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model from Judi’s House, an estimated 6.4 million children in the United States will experience the death of a parent or sibling by the age of 18, a number that highlights just how many young lives are touched by grief.
And here in Florida, where we live and serve, the impact is just as real: about 1 in 10 children will experience that type of death by the age of 18.
That reality is why the work of The Mark Wandall Foundation matters so deeply, and why your support on Giving Tuesday helps meet a critical need in our community.
When I first stepped into this work, I knew the importance of advocating for safer roads, supporting families, and honoring the life of my husband, Mark. What I did not know then was how profoundly young people would teach me about courage, connection, and resilience. Each year, I witness children and teens who have endured heartbreaking circumstances grow into hopeful, capable, determined individuals. Their stories inspire me. Their journeys fuel us.
And they are the reason Giving Tuesday matters.
The young people we serve do not need to walk their path alone. When you give, when you share, when you stand with them, you become part of the community that helps restore their sense of safety, belonging, and possibility.
Your Giving Tuesday generosity echoes far beyond a single day. It creates ongoing opportunities for healing and growth.
Your Gifts Make Real Healing Possible
The $20,500 raised this year will directly support programs designed to meet young people exactly where they are, offering compassion, connection, and meaningful experiences that help strengthen them from the inside out.
Because of you, we can continue to provide:
Youth Bereavement Camp
At camp, young people come together in a safe, nurturing environment where they can express themselves in ways they often cannot in day-to-day life. They meet others who understand what it feels like when a parent, guardian, or sibling has died. They laugh, play, create, reflect, and begin to rediscover who they are becoming. Camp offers both therapeutic support and joyful connection, two things that are equally important to their healing.
Equine-Assisted Learning Programs
Horses have a remarkable ability to reflect emotions, teach presence, and build trust. Through equine-assisted learning, youth gain confidence, self-awareness, and coping strategies that help them better navigate life’s challenges. These sessions bring together gentle guidance, emotional safety, and transformative breakthroughs that young people carry with them long after they leave the barn.
Scholarship Opportunities
Education is a pathway to independence and a powerful expression of hope. Our scholarship program honors Mark’s spirit by helping young people pursue college, university, or trade school with the assurance that someone believes in their future. Your Giving Tuesday support helps us expand these opportunities so more students can continue their journey with confidence.
Reconnect Events for Youth and Families
Healing does not happen in one moment; it happens over time, in community. Our reconnect events are designed to strengthen relationships, build peer support networks, and give families moments of joy and togetherness. These gatherings are often where friendships begin, where breakthroughs happen, and where youth realize they truly are part of something bigger than themselves.
Why Your Support Matters So Deeply
Every time I meet a child who looks at me with the mixture of bravery and vulnerability that only comes from having experienced something unimaginably hard, I am reminded that this work is sacred. These young people are navigating circumstances no child should ever face, yet they show up with courage that inspires all of us.
Your Giving Tuesday support ensures that they have a place to turn, one that offers comfort, guidance, resources, and genuine human connection.
You help a child who has been quiet finally speak.
You help a teenager rediscover joy after months of feeling numb.
You help a family feel supported instead of isolated.
You help give a young person the confidence to step into their future with strength.
Your generosity is not abstract. It is personal, tangible, and deeply felt by the youth we serve.
The Heart Behind Giving Tuesday
What made this year especially meaningful was seeing how many people rallied behind the message of healing and hope. Support came from longtime friends of the foundation, from families who have walked this road with us, from board members who tirelessly champion our mission, and from individuals who simply believe that every child deserves a chance to thrive.
I am often asked what keeps me going in advocacy work, nonprofit leadership, and grief support. The answer is always the same: people. People who care enough to act. People who want to make their communities safer. People who believe in standing beside children as they rebuild their lives. People who give with open hearts.
You are part of that beautiful network of compassion, and I am honored to steward your generosity with intention and integrity.
A Future Filled With Hope
As we move into a new year, the impact of Giving Tuesday will continue to unfold in ways both seen and unseen. A child will take their first step toward healing because they felt supported. A teenager will begin to believe in their potential again. A family will experience a moment of connection that strengthens them. A student will receive a scholarship that changes the course of their future.
All because of you.
Your generosity ensures that no young person has to carry their grief alone. You help create spaces where healing is possible, where hope is nurtured, and where resilience is celebrated.
From my heart to yours, thank you for believing in this work. Thank you for believing in our youth. And thank you for choosing to stand with The Mark Wandall Foundation in such a meaningful way.
Here is to a new year filled with grace, community, and continued healing. Together, we will keep showing up for the young people who need us—and we will do it with compassion, courage, and unwavering love.
If you want to stay connected and follow the work we are doing, I would love for you to follow along on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
