Yellow Ribbon events Program

They danced. They ate cupcakes. They made crowns and danced some more.

But this was much more than just another children’s party. These children all have a parent who’s an injured service member.

They’ve often stepped up to help care for their wounded mom or dad. According to a recent study, the experience makes them more resilient and compassionate than other children. But it can also leave them angry and frustrated.

So the Yellow Ribbon Fund’s Family Caregiver Program organizes events and activities that give them a chance to just be kids, while nurturing their family relationships. At YRF’s latest Little Heroes Ball near Ft Campbell, nearly 100 children and parents turned out for dinner and dancing, with gifts to commemorate the occasion.

Thanks to Spalding, each child took home an over-the-door basketball hoop and basketball…

…each caregiver mom received jewelry donated by the Gold Factory in Clarksville, Tenn…

…and photographers April Padgett and Elizabeth Elliott were on hand to provide complimentary family portraits.

Thirty-seven volunteers helped make it all happen, including students from Clarksville Academy, which joined the Yellow Ribbon Fund in co-hosting the Ball. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to:

Enjoy these photos from the event, then read The Washington Post article to learn more about the challenges facing the children of injured service members.