What Your Gift Makes Possible

When you choose to give, you become part of something bigger—something powerful.

A massage therapist giving a foot massage on a client's foot.

Your donation doesn’t fund a vacation.

It funds relief, connection, and resilience.

It gives families:

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Space to grieve without pressure

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Memories that become emotional lifelines

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Break for the parent to have some healing time alone

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Room to reconnect without distraction

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A reminder that hope still exists

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A day at the spa and babysitter included. 

Most importantly, it tells families

You are not alone.

Make a Donation

When you choose to give, you become part of something bigger—something powerful. Your support fuels progress and brings hope where it's needed most.

Your donation is made to Cherry Willow Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 33-2282290) that is fiscally sponsoring Healing Hearts Giveaway.
Wooden blocks spell out 'THANK YOU' on a surface, with a blurred green outdoor background.
Wooden blocks spell out 'THANK YOU' on a surface, with a blurred green outdoor background.

The Power of Shared New Memories

A memorial with flowers and a handwritten note that reads: "We are so sad you are gone! I loved you as Queen. Rebekah, Age 7." The memorial includes photos and heartfelt messages, placed on grass.

After loss, many families feel frozen in time—afraid that joy might diminish love for the parent who died. Children, especially, may struggle with guilt when they feel happy again.

By creating new memories together, families learn an essential truth:

Love expands—it doesn’t replace.

Shared experiences like watching a sunset, swimming together, or eating meals without rushing become anchors of hope. These moments help children and parents rebuild trust in life, strengthen family bonds, and develop emotional resilience that carries them forward long after the vacation ends.

Five children sitting on a park bench looking at a green field and trees under a cloudy sky.

Children process grief through experience, not explanation. They need safety, consistency, and positive moments with the parent who remains.

Vacations provide:

  • Uninterrupted time with their surviving parent

  • A break from stress and survival mode

  • Opportunities to experience joy without guilt

  • Proof that their family is still whole, even though it has changed

These experiences support healthy emotional development and help prevent long-term complications of unresolved grief.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Your donation directly supports families navigating the loss of a spouse and parent. Contributions help cover all expenses for each retreat, including travel, accommodations, meals, and meaningful experiences designed for healing and connection. Every gift helps create space for families to rest, reconnect, and begin moving forward together.

  • Yes, we welcome those who want to support our mission beyond donations. Opportunities may include helping with outreach, partnerships, or supporting retreat experiences. If you’re interested in getting involved, we’d love to hear from you—please reach out to learn more about current opportunities.

  • Yes. We gratefully accept in-kind donations such as accommodations, travel support, services, or experiences that can enhance our retreats. If you or your business would like to contribute in this way, please contact us to discuss how we can work together.

  • Absolutely. Many of our supporters choose to give in honor or memory of a loved one. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate a life while helping other families find healing. You may include a note with your donation, and we are honored to recognize your tribute.