Wickford Block Party to Support Made4Mavrik

One of the many schools in our North Kingstown baseball community is Hamilton Elementary School. At Hamilton, there is a very special 6 year old named Mavrik, who has captured the hearts of our North Kingstown community. You may have seen children, business owners, our local NK Fire Department sporting #made4mavrik bracelets. We are all inspired by his story and his courage. Please take a moment to read more about Mavrik and a special event happening to raise money to help his family. Just as we strive to pick up the spirits of our teammates on the field, let's pick up the spirits of an amazing boy and family living in our baseball community of North Kingstown.

Here is more from organizer, Julie Beebe of JW Graham and Yes!Gallery.

The fundraiser is inspired by a local 6-year-old boy named Mavrik and will be all about celebrating him, his recovery, and raising money to help his family with the strenuous costs of his medical expenses. This event will be an evening-long, family-friendly Block Party on Friday, June 23rd* (5-8pm) hosted by JW Graham & Yes! Gallery, in Wickford Village. Owner Julie Beebe, who is coordinating the event simply states: “Mavrik is home now after spending 10 weeks in the hospital and rehabilitation center, and though his family of seven has NOT ASKED for help, we as friends and neighbors recognize their needs and can’t help but to try to alleviate their situation in any way we can.”

One of Mavrik’s friends, Annie, has already taken it upon herself to help by making friendship bracelets to sell to raise money for Mavrik’s medical expenses. Attendees at the block party will receive one of these special #Made4Mavrik bracelets with a suggested donation of $20 for adults and $10 for kids which will allow them to sample all of the offerings. “Since our sponsors are donating all food & drink, 100% of these donations will be able to go directly to Mavrik’s fund”, says Beebe. Local band, Blackstrap Molasses will play outside and tents will line the streets featuring refreshments from local vendors, while locally made samples of beer & wine will be featured INSIDE Yes! Gallery. To date, sponsors include Shayna’s Place, Tate’s Italian Kitchen, Beach Rose Café, Tavern By The Sea, Pier Pizza Company, Sonoma Bistro & Wine Bar, Del’s Lemonade N.K., Monroe Dairy and Whaler’s Brewing. In addition, JW Graham and Yes! Gallery will both feature local jewelry designers MKindred and photography artist Intentionally Wick that are creating limited edition work to be sold during the event to raise proceeds for Mavrik’s fund.

More about Mavrik: “Mavrik is an incredibly special boy with an extraordinary story. He was born with Down Syndrome and a cardiac condition that made the NICU his home for his first 7 months of life. As if his ongoing health complications weren’t enough, he has recently been the victim of tragic and unforeseen circumstances. Mavrik developed a blood infection that threatened his heart and his life. His body experienced septic shock as a result of this infection, which caused his organs to become low functioning. During this crisis, Mavrik’s blood was not reaching his feet, and his feet and toes were so severely necrotic that they required amputation (both feet, one above the ankle). Despite ALL of this, Mavrik’s spirit has not wavered. He is a fighter and a lover of life and he is still a happy boy who loves music and playing and people. His smile and laugh will bring joy to anyone. Mavrik is home now after spending 10 weeks in the hospital and rehabilitation center, but still requires medical support and will need to learn to walk again using prosthetics. His mom, Johanna, has been unwavering in her commitment to stay by Mavrik’s side throughout all of this while also caring for her other children. This family has been through so much, and has a long road ahead to help Mavrik achieve recovery and the ability to walk again. Any support is appreciated!”

Follow JWGraham.YesGallery or Friendship Bracelets Made4Mavrik on Facebook for more details & updates.

Rain date is Saturday, June 24th.