The reason I do this; the reason I love photography is the opportunity to tell stories. Stories of hope. Kyle’s story is definitely one of hope.
Last summer, 17-year-old Kyle decided to use his upcoming senior project to give back to an organization that helped he and his family through a difficult time as he faced a life-threatening diagnosis. When Kyle was 14, he received treatment for Hodgkins Lymphoma. During his hospital stay, he found out he’d been nominated to receive a wish through Make-A-Wish Idaho. The organization sent Kyle, his best friend, and his parents, George and Chris Bratton, on a 10-day trip to Walt Disney World.
“I can never fully repay the debt of kindness shown to me during my experience, but I thought I could start with this,” says Kyle, about his decision to raise funds. “Make-A-Wish grants wishes to children who don’t have much hope. I hope to earn enough money to send at least three deserving families on a trip of their dreams.”
When Kyle decided to give back to Make-A-Wish Idaho, he felt it was important to give something himself, rather than just ask people for money.
He decided to donate a registered Angus bull he raised to the cause. Kyle developed a bull syndicate, where individuals or groups can purchase donation shares of the bull, B A R Wish Granter 837, AAA #17463447. Each share sells for $50 and people can purchase one or multiple shares of the PVF All PayDay son, thus, becoming part of the “Wish Granter” Syndicate.
Wish Granter will be auctioned off at the Gem State Classic Sale on Feb. 8, 2014, in Twin Falls, Idaho, as part of the Idaho Angus Association’s annual consignment sale.
At that time, the Syndicate will purchase the bull, then donate him back to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, who will take possession of the bull. All proceeds from the Syndication, as well as the actual sale of the bull will be donated to Make-A-Wish Idaho.
“It’s really unique to see that Kyle has taken his passion—Angus cattle—and turned it into something powerful to help others,” says Torene Bonner, CEO of Make-A-Wish Idaho. “It’s a very positive thing for him to do.”
Through his efforts thus far, Kyle has raised nearly $8,000, and will continue accepting donations through March 1, 2014.
For more information about B A R Wish Granter, or to purchase donation shares of the bull, please contact George or Kyle Bratton at (208) 861-8442 or brattonangusranch@hotmail.com. A website, www.barwishgranters.com has been set-up as well. Don’t miss your opportunity to own a bull who’s making a difference.
Read more about this young man and his incredible story in the February Angus Journal, which is available now to digital subscribers and in print.
It was truly a pleasure for me to sit down with Kyle and his parents, to get to know them and be able to tell his story in words and images. They are such a wonderful family and quite humble about all of this. I enjoy surrounding myself with positive people and the Brattons definitely share their feelings of thanks and gratitude for Kyle’s health and hope for a future for him and others going through tough times.
