DAYTON — In 2015, 8-year-old Ty Fugate told his mom, Amy Fugate, that he wanted to make Christmas special for kids at Dayton Children’s Hospital. So together, and with the help of close family, they rounded up 30 new toys and took them to the hospital.
After they dropped off the toys that year, Ty told his mom, “I want to go bigger next year and give a truckload of toys.” His mom was happy to help her son’s dream come true, so the next year she made a simple Facebook post asking for donated toys. “It just kind of snowballed from there every year after”, she said.
Fast forward to 2016, and Ty’s dream of giving a moving truck full of toys to Dayton Children’s Hospital came true. “Many small businesses, individuals, clubs, family, and friends donated toys or money to help Ty make Christmas wonderful for these children”, said Amy Fugate.
Ty has told his mother many times that he “just wants kids to be happy on Christmas because that’s what the day is all about.”
Ty’s Christmas wish caught the attention of the Gala of Hope Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting, treating, and funding research for local cancer patients. Bob and Barbara Mills, the organization’s co-founders, and Robin Robbins, presented Ty with a check for $1,000 on Friday. With that donation, Ty will continue to buy toys for the children who are spending the holiday in the hospital.
“The Gala of Hope Foundation is honored to partner with this incredible young man. What could be better than bringing joy to sick kids – especially those courageously battling cancer – at Dayton Children’s Hospital this holiday season?”
