Eli’s Village

15/06/2025

Thanks for having us! It was a blessing being able to pass out snacks and provide smiles. Eli was remembered and celebrated in every conversation.

25/05/2025

It’s been a while since I’ve posted and I’ve debated on what to say as this day approached. I decided that I’d share a journal entry in a hope that what I’ve been working through, will be what someone else needs to hear. Eli is missed, there are days when we can honor his memory and days when all we can do is just be. Both are important. Yesterday, as Zach and I discussed how we would honor Eli, we settled on just being.

May 24,2025
Grief is funny, I found a tiny sand dollar and smiled. 10 minutes later I accidentally crushed it… and I ugly cried.
Three years, 1,096 days … The more days pass the more I feel like it’s all been a fever dream. I can’t remember certain things yet somehow I remember it all. The pain. The happiness. The moments I wish I would have done more. The moments I let depression steal. I remember the good. I remember Eli’s smile and his laugh. Sometimes I feel I don’t want to remember, I’d rather he be here making more memories. But if memories are all I have, then I guess that will have to do.

I wonder if Eli would’ve loved the beach. If he would laugh at his dad trying to catch crabs. At me for being freaked out when a school of fish passed me.

Over the last year I have really tried focusing on the concept of "be where your feet are", being present in the moment both physically and mentally. We all get caught up in the "what ifs" of life, thinking 5 steps ahead, planning, anxiously worrying about the future and about the past- while these things are sometimes important they can rob us of the joy of being in the moment.

I could go on and on but I want to make sure you get the point, take the opportunity to be present while your life is happening, so that when memories are all you have, you have the most vivid ones.

I leave you with one last thing. Shortly after Eli's passing mine and Zachary Berry favorite band Judah & the Lion released a song "Be Here Now", it is my comfort and my reminder and I share it with you.

https://youtu.be/9usP5oEJ4G0?si=TqINuEo5Np_vf5MU

06/02/2025

Hi Friends! Heart month has kicked off and we will be celebrating Heart Week next week, so stay tuned!

For now, I want to remind you that if you supported Eli’s Village this past year and need a donation receipt for taxes- please message me!

23/12/2024

This is a very special donation! A few weeks ago a little girl celebrated her 8th birthday. Instead of gifts, her and her family asked for donations for Eli’s Village! Because of their generous hearts we will be able to bless many child heart patients and families. Over 60 items and $150 in monetary gifts! I am blown away by this family’s generosity. This year for Eli’s birthday (12/28), we’ve decided to keep spreading cheer and we will be making a donation to the hospital and Ronald McDonald house. Thank you so much for your support and for making a little magic happen!

15/10/2024

On October 15th, we join the global to remember babies lost too soon. Light a candle at 7 p.m. in your time zone and help create a wave of light across the world. Together, we can honor the CHD warriors who are no longer with us but will forever remain in our hearts. 🕯️

15/10/2024

Just a reminder for tonight's event. The location for this year's event is Phil Moore Park at Shelter 1. The address is 7101 Scottsville Rd, Alvaton,Ky. We look forward to seeing everyone there!

20/09/2024

✨ Sponsor Spotlight ✨

Eli’s Village is a Bronze Star Sponsor for The Climb 2024.

Eli's Village was established in 2022 in memory of Eli who was born with a Congenital Heart Defect and touched so many lives in his short 5 months on earth. This organization provides support and care baskets to families undergoing treatment for these CHDs to help make their extended stays at the hospital more comfortable.

To learn more about their services, join us at The Climb on September 28th at Buchanon Gymnasium from 2-4pm for an afternoon of FREE family fun and resources available within our community.

23/08/2024

Hi friends! I’ve been a little MIA here recently, but I wanted to give a small update. Behind the scenes we’ve been busy helping families.

Since the tournament we’ve been able to help 8+ families with over $1000 in financial support, 5 baskets full of towels and other comfort items, and countless conversations.

I wish there wasn’t a need for support like this, but I am so thankful to be able to continue spreading Eli’s joy.

This is not possible without your help! It’s been just a couple shorts months since the tournament and we’ve already surpassed our numbers from last year!

More good news coming soon!!

18/07/2024

For those of you that have experienced grieving through a miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant loss, check out our friends at Glory Baby Ministry

Thank you to The Finery Salon, Eli’s Village and Electronic Payments Express for donating!

We will be giving away multiple gift cards during upcoming events. If your business makes a $25 donation (or more) to go towards purchasing the gift cards, then you will receive recognition during the giveaways.

Venmo: -baby (last four 9572)

Credit Card: givebutter.com/glorybaby2024

Mail:

Glory Baby Ministry
760 Campbell Lane 106-214
Bowling Green, Ky 42104

07/07/2024

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Tech Disc throw at “Thrill on the Hill”. Because of your generosity we raised an additional $120 for CHD families. At a $1 per throw, you all really showed out! Thank you Scott Burton for letting us use your Tech Disc set up! I’ll admit, it’s actually kind of fun 😂

01/07/2024

Tournament Update!!!

Zach and I could not be more thankful for this community! The tournament this year raised over $7,500 (and counting). Since tournament day Eli’s Village has already been able to provide gift cards and baskets to 2 heart families in Nashville. One family is preparing for their first surgery and the other has began their wait on the transplant list. Thank you for supporting this cause and aiding us in honoring our Eli. We could not continue this work without all of you.
This year we had 64 players and 16 day of volunteers. Our sponsorships grew and we added a very successful raffle to the day.
There are so many to thank and I want to take the next few weeks to highlight them!

As always a huge thank you to Kyle Hughes and JT for running this thing! And the Hughes family for opening up their land and homes to this community. To recap Kyle this year: this event and this cause takes Connection, Hero’s, and Disc Golf.

Raising Awareness and blessing families takes all of us and we are so grateful you are a part of our village. Because of you Eli’s story keeps getting told. His memory is bringing joy!

Thank you,

Samantha & Zach

15/06/2024

That’s a wrap on the 3rd annual tournament at Windy Trails! Thank you to everyone who came out to play, support, and volunteer today! We could not do this without you. Official recognitions, Thank yous , and totals raised are to come. For now, know that this was such a joy filled day and a HUGE success! Feel free to share your photos in the comments.

Much love,
Samantha & Zach Berry