Imagine a world where every young athlete chases their dreams, free from financial burdens. The XOXO Reece Foundation makes it a reality! Their 4th Annual Birthday Bash celebrates a powerful legacy and funds scholarships that change lives. How will their impact inspire you?

The XOXO Reece Foundation, a beacon of hope in the Arlington community, is gearing up for its 4th Annual XOXO Reece Birthday Bash, an event dedicated to upholding its powerful mission. This yearly gathering serves as a crucial fundraiser, channeling vital support into scholarships that empower aspiring young athletes to achieve their dreams, embodying the spirit of remembrance and community upliftment.

At the heart of the foundation lies the poignant legacy of Reece, whose life was tragically cut short at the tender age of 14 due to an unexplained brain hemorrhage. Reece was a vibrant competitive gymnast, an honor roll student, and a cherished daughter, sister, and friend. This annual birthday bash, held on what would have been her 18th birthday, is a testament to the family’s unwavering determination to keep her inspiring spirit alive and continue her passion for youth sports.

The profound impact of the XOXO Reece Foundation is vividly illustrated through stories like that of Jalynn Patino, a scholarship recipient. Patino eloquently shared, “Getting the XOXO Reece scholarship was a big deal for me and my whole team. With the help of the scholarship, I was able to afford to travel and compete at Fargo and Duals. It helped advance my wrestling so much during my senior year and was one of the deciding factors in my continuing wrestling into college. The XOXO Reece scholarship changed the game for me in so many ways.” Such testimonials underscore the tangible difference these scholarships make in young lives.

Scheduled for Sunday, August 31, the 4th Annual XOXO Reece Birthday Bash aims to raise critical funds specifically for gymnastics scholarships. These scholarships are designed to cover essential competition-related costs, including entry fees, travel, and lodging, removing financial barriers that often prevent talented young gymnasts from pursuing their passion. The event is free and open to the public, ensuring widespread community participation, with all proceeds directly benefiting the foundation’s mission.

This year, the XOXO Reece Foundation is proud to announce its collaboration with Empowerment International, a youth-led, fair-trade fundraising initiative. This partnership amplifies the event’s reach, empowering students to raise money and make a global impact. Every purchase made through this collaboration supports women artisans worldwide while directly contributing 33% of proceeds to the XOXO Reece Foundation, creating a powerful synergy of local and global positive change.

In addition to the direct proceeds from the event and the collaboration, the foundation will also host a virtual silent auction. The funds generated from this auction are earmarked to provide further scholarships, ensuring more gymnasts can compete in upcoming events. This multi-faceted fundraising approach maximizes the foundation’s capacity to support youth athletes and expand its outreach within the community.

Since its inception in 2021, the XOXO Reece Foundation has been a fully donation-based and volunteer-run 501c3 nonprofit. It was meticulously formed to honor Reece’s life and legacy by supporting the causes she was most passionate about: God, family, and youth sports. Over the past four years, the foundation has consistently uplifted children and families through various scholarships and acts of kindness, fostering a culture of generosity and support.

Another heartfelt account comes from a scholarship recipient who stated, “My family was going through a really tough time financially, so getting this scholarship meant the world to us. Receiving this scholarship allowed me to continue to pursue my love for gymnastics. Gymnastics was Reece’s passion, and it makes me smile to know that the money raised in her memory is helping others enjoy the sport she loved so much. This scholarship has truly made a difference in my life, and I know it will do the same for others.” These stories are the living embodiment of Reece’s enduring legacy.