As a child, the Great Smoky Mountains were more than just a distant dream—they were a living, breathing part of my world, thanks to my grandmother, Ruby Pickard.
She was the kind of woman whose heart was as big as the Smokies themselves. Ruby founded My Wish Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to granting wishes to terminally ill children. I’ll never forget the first time I accompanied her on one of these wish-granting adventures. It was a moment that planted deep seeds in my heart, sparking a lifelong passion to help children experience the wonders of the natural world.
Years later, that passion has grown into something beautiful through Higher Calling Wildlife®. In 2024, we’re launching the Great Smoky Mountains Expedition, a project that feels like the perfect way to honor my grandmother’s legacy. Our mission is to give children the chance to connect with nature in a profound way to help them heal from traumas.
We’ll be taking kids from our Wild Wishes® program to the Smokies, teaching them wildlife photography and mentoring them in wildlife conservation. We’re especially excited about working with a family of two children from Texas who have always dreamed of exploring the Smokies. Their enthusiasm and love for wildlife are contagious, and we can’t wait to see how this experience will shape their futures.
In addition to these kids, we’ll be collaborating with local children, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility for the environment. This isn’t just an expedition; it’s a chance to inspire the next generation of wildlife conservationists.
But to make this dream a reality, we need your help. We’re aiming to raise $5,000 to cover the costs of this expedition. Every donation, no matter the size, will bring us closer to our goal and help us break ground in this iconic area. Your contribution is tax-deductible and will directly impact the lives of these children.
If you feel called to support this cause, please consider making a donation here. Together, we can continue the legacy of my grandmother and make a difference in the lives of children who need it most.
Chester Moore
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