“I have lived next door to Dave and Judy Graves for 20 years. When I gave birth to a baby girl, and then, four years later, twin girls, Judy stepped in and became the mother I didn’t have, and a grandmother to all three girls. She changed diapers, helped with feedings, and helped keep me sane. Dave and Judy are generous to a fault, opening their backyard and pool not only to their family and mine, but to all the neighborhood kids and families and the random folks those people brought along. Dave is now 81 and declining with dementia, and Judy (78) is his full-time caretaker. She does everything for him, and the round-the-clock care is taking its toll on her. We help where we can, but the weight on Judy is significant. We all know that when it rains it pours, and they also lost a son recently.

Dave and Judy have never had air conditioning, and they’ve managed, but it has become more difficult as Dave declines. They have been so kind to so many people in this community. I would love to see them get this amazing gift – I can’t think of anyone more deserving of some extra comfort this summer and in the coming years.”