Hi everyone,

It is the start of another annual fundraiser for Good Grief.  

Before I lay out the framework for this year’s operation, I just want to express how thankful and proud I am of what we have accomplished as a community.  Over the course of several years, we have managed to raise over $140,000 and do so much more for Good Grief.  It seems like just yesterday when I was selling pickled garlic to my neighbors for 10 bucks a jar in order to raise money in the fourth grade.  From that point on, we have truly expanded in every direction.  Countless bake sales, concerts, and corporate sponsorships with our valued partners have allowed Good Grief to stay free for all participating families.  

I was in one of those participating families years ago.  When my mom brought Yuchen and me from China in 2015, we didn’t know anyone.  After my dad Huan passed away in 2017, this foreign environment was akin to a prison.  Good Grief’s Nights of Support were our only solace; I can’t understate how much they helped our family.  The peer environment, trained facilitators, and free pizza made a huge difference in our journey of grief.  Good Grief has allowed me to move on, to flourish, and to help others in need — at the cost of zero dollars for participating families.  

This year, we hope to go even further for these families.  On 5/9, we will be hosting “Echo of Love” charity concert — featuring some world-class performers who have dedicated their time to our cause.  We are also hosting the “Summit Debate Workshop”, a weekly class meant for 4th-8th graders interested in an introduction to basic PF debate.  Please feel free to contact me if you would like to participate or have any questions.  

Outside of these events, I urge everyone to both donate and participate in the 5K.  Good Grief has so many extra programs outside of nights of support to enrich the lives of these grieving families — and they are all counting on us.  Our team name Semper Fi comes from the latin motto “Always Faithful” and serves as a reminder of our commitment to support our community.  

Thank you for standing by me in this effort. Your support means the world to me!