A Day of Gratitude and Hope: Spaghetti Dinner for Steven's Wings
It was a sunny afternoon, full of warmth and love, as friends, family, and supporters gathered for a heartfelt spaghetti dinner hosted by Trudi Wright, the mother of the late Steven Wilkes. In a setting filled with emotion and purpose, this event was not just about sharing a meal, but about coming together to honor Steven’s legacy and continue the work of Steven’s Wings—a nonprofit dedicated to providing underserved youth with life-changing educational travel opportunities.
As attendees enjoyed plates of spaghetti and garlic bread, it was clear that this gathering was more than just a typical fundraiser. It was an intimate afternoon filled with deep connections, stories of love and loss, and most importantly, hope for the future. Trudi, hosting in honor of her son Steven, couldn’t hold back her tears as she spoke about her son and the passion that had inspired the mission behind Steven’s Wings.
Her words brought the room together in a shared purpose—to raise the necessary funds to send 10 underserved students from the Philadelphia and greater Philadelphia area on a transformative trip to either Colombia or Spain next summer. By the end of the afternoon, Trudi, through her emotional appeal and the generosity of those in attendance, raised over $1,500 toward the organization’s goal of $75,000. These funds will help provide travel, food, and accommodations for the students, who will spend two weeks living with host families and learning what it means to be a global citizen.
As the guests gathered in the modest room, enjoying the smell of homemade spaghetti, garlic bread, and the quiet hum of conversations, Trudi Wright stood at the front. Her voice, soft and wavering, cut through the chatter, drawing everyone’s attention. She had always been a strong woman, but in this moment, standing before a group of people who loved her and supported her mission, she couldn’t hold back her emotions.
“Steven would have loved to see all of you here,” she began, her eyes glistening with tears. “He had such a big heart. He loved people. He loved life. And he loved giving back. That’s what Steven’s Wings is all about—honoring his spirit by giving these kids a chance to see the world in a way they might never have imagined.”
Her voice cracked, and for a moment, she paused to collect herself. It was clear that this wasn’t just a fundraiser for her—it was her way of continuing her son’s legacy. She shared stories about Steven, about his adventurous spirit and his deep desire to make the world a better place. As she spoke, the room was filled with a sense of love and compassion. Many in the crowd wiped away their own tears, moved by the raw vulnerability of a mother who had turned her grief into a mission to help others.
“When Steven passed, I didn’t know how to move forward,” Erica, Founder of Steven's Wings commented. “But then I thought about the things he loved, the way he cared about others, and I knew I had to do something. That’s why we started Steven’s Wings. Not just to keep his memory alive, but to help these kids—kids who are just like Steven—experience the world, learn, and grow.”
The Mission of Steven’s Wings
Steven’s Wings was founded in 2023 with a clear and powerful mission: to provide underserved youth with the opportunity to travel and learn from other cultures. The organization’s goal is to offer these students an experience that goes beyond the classroom, allowing them to immerse themselves in new cultures, stay with host families, and gain a deeper understanding of the world.
Next summer, Steven’s Wings aims to send 10 students from the Philadelphia area to either Colombia or Spain for two weeks. During this time, the students will live with local families, experience the culture firsthand, and learn what it means to be a global citizen. For many of these students, this will be their first time traveling outside of the country, and perhaps even their first time on a plane. But more importantly, it will be their first real opportunity to broaden their horizons, gain confidence, and discover new possibilities for their future.
“We want these kids to come back changed,” Trudi explained to the group. “We want them to return with new perspectives, with the confidence to know that they can do anything they set their minds to, and with a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it.”
The program covers all the expenses for the students, including travel, food, and accommodations, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of this life-changing opportunity. The total fundraising goal of $75,000 will make it possible for all 10 students to participate, and while the $1,500 raised at the spaghetti dinner was a great start, Trudi made it clear that there was still a long way to go.
Help Us Reach Our Goal
The spaghetti dinner was an incredible start, but Steven’s Wings still has a long way to go to reach its goal of raising $75,000. These funds will ensure that 10 underserved students from the Philadelphia area have the opportunity to experience a life-changing educational journey to Colombia or Spain next summer.
If you believe in the power of education, travel, and the transformative impact these experiences can have on young people, we invite you to join us in supporting Steven’s Wings. Your contribution, no matter the size, will directly fund these students’ trips, giving them the opportunity to broaden their horizons and become global citizens.
Here’s how you can help:
1. Donate: Every dollar counts, and your donation will bring us one step closer to our goal. Visit our website to make a donation, or reach out to Steven’s Wings directly for more information on how you can contribute.
2. Spread the Word: Share this post with your friends, family, and colleagues. The more people who know about Steven’s Wings, the closer we get to reaching our goal.
3. Attend Future Events: Stay tuned for more fundraising events and opportunities to support Steven’s Wings. Whether it’s attending a dinner, participating in a raffle, or volunteering your time, there are many ways to get involved.
4. Get Involved: We are always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference. If you’re interested in volunteering or learning more about how you can support Steven’s Wings, please reach out to us.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these students. Together, we can carry forward Steven’s legacy of love, adventure, and compassion. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing how we can change the world together, one student at a time.
