Stories

Revolution Hope – The Claire Lewis Foundation

Claire Lewis

Claire Lewis

Hamilton Community Foundation is home to Revolution Hope, an endowment fund established by Brenda and John Lewis after the tragic death of their eleven-year-old daughter, Claire, in October 2001.

Claire was a talented and creative girl who preferred writing and drawing to television and video games. She enjoyed all kinds of music, played the piano, and as her father says, “loved all of God’s creatures with reckless abandon.”

Six of God’s creatures received the gift of health from Claire when her organs were donated to other children with terminal or serious medical conditions. Scores more will feel her spirit through grants from Revolution Hope, a fund focused on programs and activities to help young people, particularly children at risk, experience the arts.

“We know first-hand that children grow in self-esteem through participating in the artistic process,” say Brenda and John, “and we want to help other children experience that same joyful learning.”

Brenda and John Lewis, their older daughter Jesse, relatives, and friends began the Revolution Hope Fund at Hamilton Community Foundation with gifts made in Claire’s memory. The family’s goal is to raise $1 million in the fund; they welcome contributions from the community.

Excerpt from 2002-2003 Annual Report