Dreams from Drake Birthday Bash May 31
The saying that grief has no timetable is poignant to many, especially when one loses a child. Jaime and Brian Pettit know how this grief can be all consuming and yet this family has chosen to turn their story and their grief into a positive experience through which they now help others.
June 2012, a heart breaking accident at the Pettit’s home occurred. Their son Drake drown while swimming in the family pool. This accident left this family with a huge void in the fabric of their family. But after months of grieving, both Brian and Jaime wanted to use their experiences in a positive way and help other families.
In 2013, Jaime Pettit and her sister, Haverly Erskine, established a not-for-profit foundation called Dreams from Drake. The mission of the foundation is to provide support to children and families who are coping with the loss of a loved one. According to Pettit, Drake’s favorite saying was “sharing is caring,” and this adage is now part of the foundation’s mission.
Each year the Dreams from Drake Foundation hosts a variety of programs and services, all directed at helping others come to terms with their grief. These services include monthly meetings, a summer camp, and special events. The monthly meetings are support groups called Healing Circles.
“Each Healing Circle is led by a professional therapist and followed by a fun activity for the kids to just be kids,” Pettit explained.
Last summer, the foundation held its first bereavement camp. “The camp provided 30 children and teens, who were grieving the loss of a sibling or parent, with an opportunity to discuss their grief openly through art, music, play and yoga therapy sessions,” Erskine said. The camp will be held again this summer in July and will be expanded to a three-day event.
“We are pairing with Visiting Nurse Service and Pittsford Youth Services to expand because of the great response last year. Camp Heartstrings/Camp Dreams is a three-day camp for children ages of 7 and 15. Developed and coordinated by professional grief counselors, the camp promotes understanding, acceptance, healing and hope. Activities include crafts, yoga, music, pet therapy, games, and summer fun,” Pettit explained.
Last year, the Dreams from Drake Birthday Bash, celebrated on Drake’s birthday, gave families, and community members the chance to come together to learn about the foundation, to celebrate and have fun. Last year, almost 1,000 people turned out for this first-time free event. A jammed packed slate of activities is planned for this year’s bash and both Pettit and Erskine are hoping for a similar turn out for this upcoming event.
“The Birthday Bash is designed to provide all families with the opportunity to enjoy a day of togetherness. The event is free and open to the public. Donations are welcomed, but not necessary. We understand how important it is to enjoy family time because we experienced first hand how quickly this can change,” Erskine said. “This year’s Birthday Bash is May 31, the day before Drake turns seven in heaven. Although he can’t be here to celebrate with us, it’s important for us to celebrate his spirit and love for parties, giving, being with friends, and families,” Pettit said.
Over the last two years, the number of people served by this foundation has grown.
“We have more than doubled the families that we work with. We have expanded our services and community resources,” Pettit said. “We have over 30 families and 50 children who are part of our programs. Between April and May alone, we welcomed four new families,” she added.
As the foundation’s work expands, the mission remains the same and it’s done in memory of Drake Pettit’s loving spirit and giving heart.
The Dreams from Drake Birthday Bash is set for Sunday, May 31 at 4 p.m. at the Total Sports Experience on Elmgrove Road in Gates. For information about the Dreams from Drake Foundation, visit the website at www.dreamsfromdrake.org.
