Meet The ZACHARY Woodard Foundation
By: Kym Whitney
The Zachary Woodard Foundation is a 501 ( C ) (3) non-profit, and they are marketed as LightZ of Hope. Their mission is to provide color-changing LED party lights and blue-tooth speaker to children with severe illnesses or disability. The families they serve are often in crisis and they feel isolated and forgotten.
LightZ of Hope was started after Brent and & Susan Woodard's courageous son Zachary (age 16) went to heaven on May 30, 2019, while recovering from scoliosis surgery. On that life-altering day, Zachary shared his idea to gift other children in the hospital with a light as a symbol of hope. To learn more https://www.lightzofhope.org/video
Brent and Susan quickly worked to fulfill their son's dream and continue his legacy. Just seven months after Zachary's passing, the first delivery of 100 LightZ of Hope was delivered to Children's Hospital of Orange County. During the COVID crisis, they expanded their mission by reaching children at home throughout the continental U.S. They have also partnered with more than 40 non-profits and children's hospitals including Ronald McDonald House Orange County, Loma Linda University Medical Center, and Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach. Since their inception in 2019, they have given over 5,000 LightZ of Hope party lights.
A child who meets the criteria can be nominated by visiting:
www.lightzofhope.org/nominateachild
The Zachary Woodard Foundation is unique because their focus is not diagnosis specific. The primary goal is to brighten a child's day with who lives with long-term illness or disability. They believe the combination of Light (colored LED moving lights) and Sound (Bluetooth speaker) instantly shifts the energy in the child's space. If they can help change a child's mood and give them hope, they can brighten their day. Hope is the spark that keeps children going when the outcome of a diagnosis seems bleak or they are having a tough day. This is the Light (and Hope) that Zachary imagined he could give to other children.
They are hosting an amazing event in May, with a special guest appearance by Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness and the necessary funds to support this vital outreach to families in crisis. Will you consider being a light in the darkness to LightZ of Hope families?
You are invited to celebrate Zachary’s 20th Golden Birthday at El Niguel Country Club in Laguna Niguel on May 20, 2023. Enjoy cocktails, plated dinner & entertainment. Tickets can be purchased at: www.lightzofhope.org/fundraiser
Or consider helping in another way, view more information here: www.lightzofhope.org/donate
Parent Testimonials:
"Thank you SO much! She absolutely loves her Light. It was perfect during her hospital stay. She was the most popular patient with all the nurses!" Bethany, parent.
"I can't begin to explain how much your gift means to my son and entire family!! I am so blessed to receive one for my son Lucas. Bedtime was a whole new experience that I could have only dreamed of. What a light of hope it is! What their family is doing for families and children is truly inspiring." - Jennifer, parent
Brent Woodard owns a business in Irvine. Zachary's sister, Grace (age 10), loves horses, lacrosse, and tennis. They are long-time members of Saddleback Church.
