LSF’s Case Management Organization (CMO) in Manatee County is receiving a heartfelt donation for from two children who wanted to support children involved in case management services. Heather and Christian DeFazio have been completing philanthropy projects with their children since voluntary pre-kindergarten to show them how important giving is.

Ryan, 9 years old, and Ava, 8 years old, have been spending their time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic painting pictures of pets to raise money for child welfare (view their amazing art below). They first got the idea when they had a friend over who suffered from a minor asthma attack. They wanted to raise money for extra inhalers and thought offering to paint their neighbor’s pets for a $5 donation would help.

After raising money for inhalers, they decided to continue the project. Their parents have taught them about child welfare, and they understand not every child is fortunate enough to have two parents and a safe place to live. Ryan and Ava wanted to keep helping children, so they started soliciting more neighbors, friends and family members.

In total, they have raised $85 but plan to keep painting for donations. They’ll be sending this donation to LSF’s Manatee County CMO to use it.

Tiffany VanDeMark, Program Director for LSF’s Manatee CMO, was surprised and excited to be supported, especially by two children. She said, “When I learned Ava and Ryan made a grass roots effort to support children in need, it just made my heart soar. The donation, no big or how small came from their hearts and I am excited and grateful they chose to send their very original and creative pet campaign donations to LSF!”