Help Julie Touch the Sky: A First-Time Trip to New York City for her 12th Birthday

Hi there, kind-hearted friends, family, and generous strangers—

I’m Carol, and I’m reaching out on behalf of my bright, curious granddaughter Julie (age 11). Julie has been day-dreaming about New York City ever since she learned about Lady Liberty in school. She keeps a notebook where she sketches the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Time Squares busy streets. She calls it her “Sky Adventure” journal.

This summer (July 2025), Julie finally has the chance to turn those sketches into real-life memories. I’ll be taking her from Sacramento to NYC for five magical days packed with:

• A ferry ride to Liberty Island to stand beneath the torch that welcomes dreamers from around the world.

• An elevator ride to the Empire State Building’s 86th-floor deck—so she can literally see how far her dreams can reach.

• Moments of wonder in Central Park, the American Museum of Natural History, Times Square, and more.

What We Need

Because I’m a single grandmother on a postal worker’s budget, covering the extras is a stretch. Your support will help:

Item

Cost

Round-trip ferry & pedestal tickets (2)

$56

Empire State Building observatory passes (2)

$104

NYC subway/bus transit cards

$60

Museum & activity admissions

$120

Julie’s first real luggage set (durable carry-on + backpack she can decorate with NYC patches)

$140

GoFundMe fees & cushion for unexpected costs

$70

Total Goal

$550

Why It Matters

Julie is at that tender age where the world still feels enormous and full of possibility. Standing beneath Lady Liberty isn’t just a tourist moment—it’s a memory that will whisper, “Your dreams belong here” every time life gets challenging. I want her to feel that boundless promise while she’s still brave enough to believe anything is possible.

How You Can Help

1. Donate whatever feels right—every $5 moves Julie closer to the harbor.

2. Share this campaign link on social media, at work, or with friends who love fueling young imaginations.

3. Leave an encouraging note—I’ll read each one to Julie so she knows her village is cheering her on.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping Julie’s Sky-High Adventure take flight. One day she’ll pay this kindness forward—because she’ll know exactly what it feels like when people lift you higher than you could ever climb alone.

With gratitude and big New York dreams,

Carol & Julie