Vacation for a Cause: Sending families to have self-care memorable experiences!
Did you know that the Restored Souls Foundation enjoys sending families on free retreats?
In 2020 we were able to send one foster family to Dollywood in the fall. We exceeded our goal for 2021, we sent 3 families on memorable self-care retreats! Our goal was to send 8 in 2022 and God is so good we did it! 2023 we sent 4 families and started the Parents Night away program. Open applications will begin once we reach our fundraising goals. Want to help us so we can send more families faster? Click the donate button.
November 2022-Bradley Family
The Bradley family participated in our Kids Hooked on Fishing Tournament which put them in the pool to win a surprise Thanksgiving vacation. This amazing mom is a strong advocate for children with autism and also provides respite for foster parents with high need children. Mom was very excited to take her son to Carolina beach and “REALLY rested,” something this single mom doesn’t get to do often.
November 2022-
Keithline Family
The Keithline family went through our application process to win a Thanksgiving vacation. They were so excited that they ran to the beach! This single mom of three has her work cut out for her since two of her children struggle with constant medical issues. We were so glad to give them a break and enjoy time at Carolina beach. The home owners even provided Thanksgiving dinner.
October 2022 Winners-
Kavangh Family
The Kavangh family was our winning kinship family of 2022. The ring leader sister got her family all together for their beach vacation in Carolina beach and as you can see had an amazing time. They had never been able to stay all together for a vacation before because they could never afford a place big enough. We are so happy to provide some fun and rest to all of them(there are even more not in the photo).
Night to Shine Winners-2022
When the Gooding family attended Night to Shine in February they not only got a fun night for their daughter but also a FREE VACATION! They were absolutely thrilled and could hardly believe it. They went to Ocean Isle beach in October and were able to enjoy time with their extended family after a rough summer with some unfortunate medical diagnoses related to their youngest daughter. Mom said “the timing was perfect, God knew what we needed and when we needed it!”
June 2021 Winners!
Congratulations to the Morris family! This family was nominated through our friends at Seven Homes for Kids out of Greensboro, NC. The Morris’ got to spend a week in Carolina beach thanks to some awesome beach house owners. This is what the foster mom had to say about her experience; "I think its a unique idea for a way to support people in foster care, I know a lot of people want to support those who are doing foster care. Its such a creative wonderful way that so meets the needs of foster families. We are beyond thankful for the organization, and all the donors supporting Restored Souls. It is heart growing and heart stretching in many ways."
April 2021 Winners!
Congratulations to the Spencer Family, they spent a long weekend at a house in Ocean Isle beach thanks to a wonderful pediatrician and his family. This is what they had to say: “We rested, we fished and just had a good time… it was very nice to be able to go.. it was quite a surprise.”
December 2022 Winner
Lynn Kulesika
Lynn has been a foster parent for many years. She has had over 20 foster children in and out of her home and is currently taking care of a young family member in custody. She is a champion to us and we were so happy to send her and her two foster girls to Dollywood. They were able to see Dollywood all decorated for Christmas, see some snow and enjoy hot chocolate and bedside fires at the Serenity Creek Chalet.
August Winners-2022
Congratulations to the Myrtle Family. This foster turned adopted family from western NC said “their favorite experience was having fun and being together.. getting away from the busyness of life. The place is fantastic and thank you for all that you do!”
March 2022 Winners!
Congratulations to the Moses Family of eastern North Carolina. They spent a week at a beach house in Carolina Beach for spring break. The Moses’ are a foster family with the Bair foundation. They have been foster parents for several years and have 4 children living in their home altogether. This is what the mom said about this vacation experience “we are so blessed, thank you.”
June 2022 Winners-
Watts Family
The Watts family was sponsored by our friends at Seven Homes for Kids. This amazing foster family is from western North Carolina and got to enjoy a week at Myrtle beach. They obviously loved the aquarium visit.
November Winners 2021
Congratulations to the McMurray family! This family was nominated by Children at Heart adoption agency, one of our partners. This is what the mom had to say; “a nice surprise….a great getaway by the water…and very appreciated!” This beach house was donated to us by a local family right here in Carolina beach! They even at 70 degree weather while they were there in December!
Winners 2020
This year the Koontz Family has won the grand prize trip to Dollywood!!
This is what the person said that nominated this family: “Both parents work, ran their own businesses, and had a daughter of their own. They knew their was more room in their home and hearts, and knew it was time to become foster parents. They put themselves second, so more children could come first. I am in awe of the relationships they form with children who have no connection to them before they enter the door. They are constantly doing all they can to bring happiness to their lives and to show all of their kids what it means to be respectful, kind, responsible, and most if all, to be a part of a loving, caring family. I know this trip would mean the world to all of them. Getting to share this experience with their kids would be a memory they'd never forget. This family 110% has earned an amazing family vacation!”