On September 20th, the Rust family experienced a terrible tragedy. Jim, their husband and father had a heart attack and left his family wondering why, trying to pick up the pieces. 

Becky is the person who takes care of everyone else. I cant keep track of how many fundraisers she has organized for others in their time of need. She is the most self-less person. Now its our turn to give back to her as she navigates her new normal. 

Of course, this is for Jim Rust, but his wife Becky is the Wonderwoman to focus on for a moment.  She is picking up the pieces left behind after his loss and we want her to know that she is not alone in this heartbreak.  Becky is someone who touches your life and you never forget it. She is a giver who always puts her husband, children, daycare kids, friends and family first.  How can she possibly put ALL those people first? -We often wonder the same thing.  She can run on little sleep, food, or time and still be there for everyone.  She is amazing.  In 2008, she began her daycare just months before she was due to give birth to her third child.  For all these years she has loved, cared for and taught children of all ages and helped raise babies into bigs!  Her husband, Jim, was like a big kid who is known to make funny faces, play with the children and help to take care of them too.  Their children grew up alongside many of the kids at the daycare, as well as her assistants.  To walk into First Steps Daycare is to step into their family and you are treated as such. We are all family. Jimbo Slice Outdoors and even NAPA seem like they are family too. Not to mention all those reading this who have met any one of them along the way, through our journey of life.  


Becky is the type of person who will do anything for you. No matter how busy or hectic her schedule is, she will be sure to show up for you. A forever friend. She is tough, sweet, badass, generous, funny, selfless; one-in-a-million. If you know her, you know what I mean.  Together we have fundraised, we ran for Cancer, been there for births, birthday parties, bumps, bruises, surgeries, graduations, ugly sweaters, uglier cries, loose teeth, deaths, victories, spouses, kids, fears; each others' phone a friend in times of need.   Our Culver's Event for Matthew Ranken was one of the most amazing experiences I had ever been a part of and something many generations of one family and much of Sycamore will never forget. I am sharing this as her friend, but I know for a fact that many of you reading this can say The Exact Same Things about her because of the relationship and connections she has with you! It is who she is.

Jim touched many lives. Their three children are quick to help and support their friends and family too.  So, this is our time to help them and let them know that they are not alone.  Whenever we lose someone, everyone feels helpless. We want to do something, but do not know what to do.  We offer 'call me if you need anything', but in reality a call is rarely made.  The family just continues on, navigating the next chapter and do not opt to burden others with their grief; but we can help without waiting to be asked. Whether it's to pay for food, bills, school, a spa day or a hunting trip :) We can help our buddy Jim, by doing this for his family and if it eases any burden-then it's a success! Let's make Jim proud.


We're not collecting money because she "needs" a handout; Becky has been an INDEPENDENT woman since.. possibly forever!  Her pride is as big as her Mama Bear roar {if she ever has to use it}.  She is fiercely devoted to her children, her husband and her being able to care for and manage everything on her own.  We are doing this because we want to give back to her and her family for all they've done for us. For all they've been for us.  We each are a part of their lives, in one way or another.  The memories, stories, laughs, adventures, can go on and on. We are doing this because Becky's 12 year old daughter has to learn how to live without her dad.  The same way Becky had to, when she lost her mother at a young age.  Her older children have a different perspective, having Jim longer and growing into adulthood with him.  Their losses will never fully heal, but we hope to remind them that many people are rooting for them, want to help, and will be there for the family now and forever.  Please share this with your loved ones.  Every little bit helps.  We thought about doing a meal train, but with COVID and 2020, this is less contact, more convenient, and more beneficial as they have the flexibility of using this help however Becky sees fit.  


~Anyone can make you laugh or cry, but it takes someone special to make you smile when you already have tears in your eyes.~  

We are here to make this family Smile again, anytime we can. Thank you very much.