A Small Life. A Lasting Legacy.

On October 9, 2026, our family should be celebrating Ezra Stone Blakely's first birthday.

Instead, we are gathering our community to celebrate his life, say his name, share his story, and make sure that the four months we were blessed to have him continue to make an impact for years to come.

Ezra passed away unexpectedly on February 18, 2026, at just four months old. Months later, we learned that his death was caused by complications of infantile cardiomyopathy.

He was here for such a short time.

But he changed us forever.

And we believe his story can help change the lives of others, too.

Why We Created the Ezra Legacy Gala

The Inaugural Ezra Legacy Gala will take place on what would have been Ezra's first birthday.

This evening is about more than remembering what we lost.

It is about what we can build because he lived.

Through the Ezra Legacy Gala, we hope to bring families, healthcare professionals, businesses, community leaders, advocates, and supporters together for an evening of love, legacy, and impact.

Our goals are to:

• Honor and celebrate Ezra's life.

• Raise awareness of heart conditions in infants and children.

• Encourage families to recognize potential warning signs and advocate for their children when something doesn't feel right.

• Expand opportunities for inclusive play and connection for children of all abilities.

• Strengthen a community where families feel seen, supported, and welcomed.

• Build a legacy in Ezra's name that continues long after this first gala ends.

From Loss to Purpose

After losing Ezra, our family had to learn how to keep living while carrying a loss that changed everything.

At the same time, we were building another dream.

Busy Bees Playhouse was created as an inclusive children's play space built around a simple belief:

Every child deserves a place to belong.

At Busy Bees, inclusion isn't an afterthought.

We are intentionally creating opportunities for children with different abilities, developmental needs, sensory needs, communication differences, and backgrounds to play alongside one another while their families experience community and connection.

Ezra will never get to grow up inside the spaces we are building.

But his presence is woven into why we continue.

His legacy reminds us that childhood is precious, families need community, and the time we have with the people we love should never be taken for granted.

Our $25,000 Goal

Our goal for the inaugural Ezra Legacy Gala is to raise $25,000.

We are working aggressively to keep the cost of the gala low—including seeking community partners and sponsors for major event expenses—so that the evening can create as much impact as possible.

Funds raised through gala tickets, sponsorships, table sponsorships, the silent auction, and additional contributions will support the continued mission and impact of Busy Bees Playhouse and the work being built in Ezra's honor.

Our vision extends beyond one evening.

We want the Ezra Legacy Gala to become an annual tradition—one that keeps Ezra's name alive, creates greater awareness around children's heart health, brings our community together, and helps create more inclusive opportunities for children and families.

Join Us

There are many ways to become part of Ezra's legacy.

Attend the Gala.
Join us on October 9 for an elegant evening of remembrance, awareness, community, and impact.

Bring Someone You Love.
Purchase a couples package and experience the evening together.

Sponsor a Table.
Gather eight friends, family members, colleagues, or community partners and join us as a group.

Become a Corporate Sponsor.
Businesses and organizations can partner with us at multiple sponsorship levels and demonstrate their commitment to children, families, inclusion, and our community.

Support the Campaign.
If you cannot attend, you can still help us move toward our $25,000 goal and carry Ezra's legacy forward.

Share Ezra's Story.
Sometimes the most powerful contribution is helping another family hear a story they may never have encountered otherwise.

October 9 Is Still His Day.

There will always be an empty place where Ezra should be.

But October 9 will always belong to him.

This year, instead of watching him blow out his first birthday candle, we will fill a room with people who are willing to remember his name and help us turn his life into something that continues to reach others.

We hope you'll be in that room with us.

Because a life does not have to be long to be meaningful.

And Ezra's story isn't ending here.

LOVE • LEGACY • IMPACT

In loving memory of Ezra Stone Blakely
October 9, 2025 – February 18, 2026

Every child deserves to be seen. Every family deserves community. Every child deserves a place to belong.

Important Giving Information

Busy Bees Playhouse is not currently recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization. Contributions made through this campaign should not be assumed to be tax-deductible. Please consult your tax professional regarding the tax treatment of any contribution.

The Inaugural Ezra Legacy Gala

Love. Legacy. Impact. Honoring the Life & Legacy of Ezra Stone Blakely