In the News
Tammy and Ray’s “Spring-4-Giving”
30,000 items and $30,000 in 30 days
YORK-Tammy Boston shared a warm, broad smile with her four-month-old baby girl Sabryna in their home in York as her five-year-old son Syras raced about the room talking about how his father Ray is working on a bright-orange derby car for him.
Ray and Tammy are hardworking, good-hearted, small town people. Ray works as a lineman for Nebraska Public Power District and Tammy is a stay-at-home mom. Recently, there has been something quite remarkable happening inside their home, beyond the day-to-day joys of family life. The Bostons have been inspired to share joy with others in the midst of their busy lives.
Tammy and Ray Boston are pictured with their son Syras and baby girl Sabryna. The Bostons have been inspired by “Oprah’s Big Give” and are working towards Tammy’s 30th birthday goal to collect 30,000 items and $30,000 in 30 days for Epworth Village, Inc. in York and Grand Island. Donors towards “Tammy and Ray’s Big Give” as well as the media are invited to a reception where all the items and money will be presented to Epworth on Saturday, May 17 at 3 p.m. at Epworth’s main campus located at 2119 North Division Ave. in York. People may contact Tammy and Ray at (402) 362-1078 or email raytam@alltel.net. Drop off boxes are also located at Pamida and the Movie Gallery in York.
Even though Tammy somewhat “grimaces” at the thought of turning 30, the young mother is ready to face her next birthday on May 4 head on. She has set a lofty goal, inspired by “Oprah’s Big Give,” Tammy wants to collect 30,000 items and $30,000 in 30 days for Epworth Village, Inc. She is calling it her “Spring-4-Giving” fundraiser.
Why Epworth Village? The family-centered treatment program for boys across Nebraska ages 7 to 18 dealing with severe, emotional and behavioral disorders, is a mission she and Ray believe in wholeheartedly. In fact, the couple’s passion for helping children in need goes back to their wedding day Tammy said, “Instead of going on a honeymoon we took in our first foster child.” Since that time, the couple has cared for a total of seven foster children in their home.
Ray has also experienced the benefits that come from people extending a hand to children in need, “I was adopted. I’d never be where I am today without my adoptive parents.”
Tammy is well on her way towards her goal. She already has about 8,000 items collected, everything from paper products, toothpaste to board games for the 180-plus boys and 600 family members served by Epworth to utilize during their time at the agency’s numerous facilities located in York and Grand Island.
“It has been absolutely amazing,” Tammy said. “Out of the 100 people in town that I’ve contacted, there have been only two ‘no’s’.”
Tammy is treating her “big give” as a daily career. She fits in mailings, phone calls and trips to visit potential donors between her newborn’s naps and her husband’s work schedule. It also doesn’t hurt that her organizational skills could compete with top, business CEOs.
“Yes, spreadsheets are my friends,” Tammy said as she held up the detailed lists of items Epworth needs. She also has what resembles a “recipe box” full of cards complete with all the donor information. “I want to make sure that all these great people get credit!”
One way supporters of “Tammy and Ray’s Big Give” will be recognized is at a celebration reception to be held at Epworth on May 17 at 3 p.m. at the agency’s main campus located at 2119 North Division Ave. in York. Tammy is doing all the work for the event, everything from lining up the food to the entertainment. The Bostons are extremely excited to present the items and funds to Epworth during their “Big Give” party.
“This young family is beyond remarkable. What an inspiration to all of us. If she can do this in 30 days, imagine the impact we can have in a lifetime,” said Tom McBride, Executive Director of Epworth. “It’s not everyday we experience a phone call from someone who wants to take on a volunteer effort of this magnitude. We are still in shock by this family’s heart to give towards our mission. I don’t know if we can ever say thank you enough.”
“We have so much,” said Tammy, the down-to-earth mom matter-of-factly. “I’ve been blessed and it’s time to help others.”