Raymond & Julia Lafeuille, Kentucky Moose Association

We’ve made numerous trips to Mooseheart. We had our “Ah-Ha” moment upon entering the gates for the first time and on many other occasions. However, one of our favorite annual trips takes place the first weekend in December. The Kentucky Moose Association and Tennessee Moose Association team up to host a pizza party for the kids in the Kentucky & Tennessee homes on the Mooseheart campus.

For as long as we can remember, the Kentucky home has provided residence to 8th through 12th-grade boys. We traditionally accompany the boys to a local mall to go Christmas shopping. Each child received shopping money without rules - they could buy whatever they wanted. We treasure the time we get to spend with our Mooseheart kids.

One year during a trip to the mall, we stayed in the food court and guarded bags during their shopping spree. Some ran off straight to the electronic store for games or controllers. Others would spend every dime to purchase a necklace for their mother for Christmas. Another might want new clothes, and some even bought gifts for their Family Teachers.

The year of the Michael Jordan shoes stands out in our minds when two 8th-grade boys returned to the food court with only one bag. We quickly offered to watch the bag while they continued to shop. The boys said they were done! With two boys and just one bag, we had similarly confused faces. They explained to us that they have the same shoe size. So, they decided to pool their money together to purchase one single pair of Michael Jordan shoes they both desperately wanted.They were extremely excited that they would be able to share the Michael Jordans and switch off with one another every other day.  

Reflecting on this shopping day with the Mooseheart boys brings a lump to our throats. We witnessed two 14-year-old boys from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and families show us precisely what this fraternity is about – Brotherhood. 

Beyond our “AH HA” moment was THE MOMENT – the one where we knew we would ALWAYS be Moose. Always support the children at Mooseheart.

It’s what we do.