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“Hearts for Eli” is the major fundraiser needs would enjoy school.
for the foundation and the inspiration for “Kids with special needs will come into
Classroom Sponsorship Program. This a classroom and be nervous,” Waller said.
year, the gala hosted more 250 attend- “It’s not easy for them.” By supplying
ees. Volunteers procured sponsors and classrooms with technology to improve
collected money. Crowds of local busi- communication and accessibility, “the
nesses donated to the event’s raffle, with first day of school is that much better.”
prizes such as gym memberships, a gui- Ultimately, the foundation is beyond
tar autographed by rock band Weezer a tribute to Eli’s passion for school and
and even a poster signed by the cast of learning. It has preserved his legacy and
Black-ish. The Heartbeats, a band, cov- has enhanced the lives of other students.
ered ballads for the guests. “When something that bad happens
“It is just a fun evening, and people in your life, you can’t just say, ‘Oh well! I
come out and enjoy it,” Waller said. can’t take it anymore,’ Waller said, “No,
Regardless of the occasion, Waller you have to figure out a way to move
relates his purpose to “what would have through it. So we thought this was a
make Eli proud.” Eli always sought cool way to make something good at out
approval from others and constantly of a bad situation.”
asked his parents, “Are you proud of me?” Despite the organization’s success,
Their usual response: “Yes, of course.” Waller admits it’s a hard job. When he
“We ask, ‘Would Eli be proud of us?” had the idea to start the First Day of
Waller said. “That guides our thinking, School Foundation, he didn’t under-
and we’re trying to do things that help Andy Waller announced his family would form the First Day of School stand how to run a business. He was
the world, that change things for the foundation in honor of his son Eli during an October 2014 press confused by the paperwork and taxes
better. These are the kinds of things Eli conference that drew media from across the region. when filing to become a nonprofit orga-
would be proud of.” nization. He hired an accountant and an
One thing Eli enjoyed was interact- attorney from Hamilton to help.
ing with his teachers and aides at Yard- Waller never knew, left a lasting impres- “His only job was to get the kids back “Thankfully, that’s another thing
ville Elementary School, where Eli and sion. When the bus first arrived at the and forth to school, but he made it a about the Hamilton community: our
his sisters—triplets—attended pre- Waller’s house, Eli was anxious. His point to make sure Eli had a good, com- accountant and attorney both live in
school. The staff was “overwhelmingly parents hoped to rush him to school, fortable experience,” Waller said. “When Hamilton, and they help a ton and are
positive,” and the Wallers were “deeply to “send him on his way and not make you think about people like that working happy to do it,” Waller said.
impressed” by their enthusiasm. From a big scene.” Although Eli had burst in the special education setting, it’s more The people of Hamilton have sup-
their patient guidance, Eli flourished. into tears, the bus driver soothed him, than what you could ever ask for.” ported the First Day of School Founda-
“Everyone at the school is incredibly saying, “Don’t worry, don’t worry. I got When Eli died, the driver was one tion from its establishment and continue
kind, and will go out of their way to make him.” A beaming Eli came back home of the first to offer condolences to the to donate money. Their drive and spirit
your child’s life better,” Waller said. that day, babbling about how much he Waller family. fuel the foundation and spread its mission.
Eli’s qualms were quickly erased by loved school. The bus driver “just gave Inspired by the dedication of Eli’s “Going back to how awesome this
his teachers’ warm welcome. a wink and said, ‘We got everything care team, the Wallers realized their community is,” Waller said. “I’m grate-
Even Eli’s bus driver, whose name taken care of.’” mission: to ensure children with special ful they are the ones to have my back.”

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August 2017 | Hamilton Post9

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