Third Annual Day of Cheerful Service in Honor of Gavin Short

This is our son, Gavin Short, at his Eagle Scout Court of Honor in June 2021. As he stated that day, "'Eagle Scout Gavin Short' has a really, really nice ring to it!" We couldn't have been more proud of our kind, intelligent, helpful son. Just 10 months later, we were shattered when Gavin was involved in a horrific auto accident on April 29th, 2022. That accident took his life and the lives of two of his best friends, Drake and Nic. Gavin was only 19 years old. While he was very content and happy pursuing his dream career in meteorology, Gavin did not have the opportunity to fulfill his dreams for adult life.

That's where we have chosen to pick up the mantle and continue his life of service. As the anniversary of Gavin's accident approaches each year, our family organizes a day to honor him. On April 26, 2025, we will hold the Third Annual Day of Cheerful Service in Honor of Gavin Short. For one of the activities, we will be creating care packages on behalf of the United Way of Lake County. These care packages will benefit the most vulnerable in our community. We have a plan to purchase basic necessities and create 280 care packages! If purchased today, these items would cost roughly $2,000.

We are asking for your help! First, if you want to donate your time on the Day of Cheerful Service, we would love to have you! Please visit https://www.theshortpeople.com/gavin/ for details and sign-up information for two different volunteer opportunities. Children are welcome, as are people with limited mobility. Second, if you can offer a monetary donation to support this effort, we would be sincerely grateful. The money raised from this fundraiser will go to us to purchase the care package items, then the care packages will be delivered to the United Way. Once completed, we will happily provide a full accounting of the effort that YOU supported.

Thank you for honoring Gavin and supporting our family. We choose to make meaning from Gavin's life by continuing to support his values of helpfulness and kindness. We appreciate your consideration for this fundraiser.

Beth and Allan Short