From Staff Reports
A Prosper High School organization, F.C.C.L.A, has spent the past school year working to send a Prosper family to Joni and Friends Family Retreat, where special needs children and their families receive the encouragement, love, and the support of other families who share similar challenges.
In March, F.C.C.L.A selected the Gonzales family to be the recipients of the week at Joni and Friends and continued the work necessary to complete the financial goal of $1,050. Their main fundraiser took place at the Prosper Daddy Daughter Dance where they held a raffle of donated items from JP Photography, Eagle Catering, Maine Consultants, and Jeff Smith: Keller Williams.
The group would like to thank all of those who participated in the raffle, dropped coins in one of the many donation buckets, and those who supported the Gonzales' along the way. This encouragement provided by the community, made it possible for Rusty Joe and his family to experience a vacation free of financial burdens.
Rusty Joe, 6, was able to take part in water races, climb a fire engines' ladder, show off his harmonica/singing skills at the talent show, bust a move on the dance floor, and walk the Joni and Friends red carpet.
While Rusty Joe was off enjoying the camp under the watchful eye of his STM, Norm Willis, his parents Peggy and Joe were able to enjoy alone time as they spent their afternoons taking nature walks, swimming, blobbing, and resting.
As the week concluded, Peggy Gonzales shared these words on her camp experience: "This was truly one of the biggest blessings we have ever had. Looking into his [Rusty Joe's] eyes you could see nothing but joy every day. I believe this is the first time I have seen him this happy day after day.
"To be with parents that understand was so comforting and such a blessing. The support, love and attention that was given to the children and parents both was just amazing. Not one detail was left out in making us feel loved, appreciated, and comfortable. I have not felt this relaxed since we started our journey with this miracle. This retreat has deepened my appreciation for what Prosper ISD is doing for these children and the parents."
Although the Gonzales family was the only special needs family from Prosper, there were 12 other Prosper community members who volunteered as STM's including F.C.C.L.A members Sami Carter and Kelli Smith.
Rusty Joe's "totally awesome" experience left such a great impact on the Gonzales family that they wish to return again next year and help send another Prosper family to Joni and Friends Family Retreat.