Donor Spotlight

52 Weeks, 52 Cards, 1 Goal

Every week, Alex Reece, a high school math teacher from Fort Wayne, Indiana, challenges himself by drawing a playing card to which he has assigned a goal. There are 52 weeks in a year, so there are 52 playing cards to match. The goal for this week: raise money for charity. As a teacher, youth suicide prevention is something Reece has always felt strongly about. He knows it’s an important issue.

“Some of the most important work in the world,” Reece said.

Some of his students have experienced suicidal ideation, and it keeps him up at night worrying if they are okay. While researching youth suicide prevention nonprofits, he discovered The Jason Foundation. Our mission, no charge policy and user-friendly fundraising capabilities led him to choose us. When setting his fundraiser goal, he thought $500 was setting the bar high. Within days, he raised more than $1,200, surpassing his goal by 259 percent. How did he exceed his expectations? He presented his class with an offer they couldn’t refuse: Donate $10 and receive 10 McDonald’s chicken nuggets. Students asked if there was a limit.

“I’m not a coward. Do your worst,” Reece said.

Donations started to pour in, and when the school day ended, they didn’t stop. The students enjoyed being part of something bigger. Some gave for the nuggets, others for the fries, but all embraced working together to achieve a goal that would benefit other students and young adults who may be struggling with suicidal ideation. By the end of the week, Reece had raised more than $1,200, and it was time for him to settle his deal. As a reward, the students received 730 McDonald’s chicken nuggets. Making a difference has never tasted so good.

Thank you, Alex Reece, for choosing The Jason Foundation for your card challenge. It’s stories like yours that help fuel our mission of keeping more than dreams alive. Together, we can make a difference.

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