When we launched the Ultimate Pokémon Vault fundraiser, we knew it might feel a little different.
For some, it’s nostalgia.
For others, it’s collecting.
For many, it’s something shared — across generations, across families.
But what we didn’t fully expect… was this.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve received messages that stopped us in our tracks. Messages that reminded us why we do this. Messages that had nothing to do with entries — and everything to do with connection, purpose, and hope.
We wanted to share a few of those here.
💬 “My perspective completely changed.”
“When I first bought into the raffle, I’ll be honest — I thought it might be one of those get-rich-quick things.
But after I took the time to actually read into what you guys are doing and your story, my perspective completely changed.What you’re building is meaningful, and it’s inspiring.”
This kind of honesty means a lot to us.
We know not everyone understands what we’re doing right away — and that’s okay. Taking the time to learn more, ask questions, and see the bigger picture is something we deeply respect.
💬 “I’m doing this for my kids.”
“I’m a single father of two, and I’ve been raising my kids on my own for close to two years now…
The markets and investing for my kids hasn’t been easy, but my kids are my focus and my motivation.I believe in what you’re doing, and I support it.”
There’s something incredibly powerful about parents supporting parents.
This mission started because of our son. And so many of the people who resonate with it are also building something better for their own children — in their own way.
💬 “Your response filled a big empty bucket.”
“Your response was so unexpected, it fills a big empty bucket today…
Interactions like this make it worth living.You are on my gratitude list and I deeply wish for protection and success in your goals for you.”
We don’t take messages like this lightly.
Behind every entry, every email, every name — there’s a person. A story. A moment in time where something connected.
💬 “All the love from my family to yours.”
“I send you my purest energy and wind under your wings!!
All the love from my family to yours and all that are hopeful for they feel the truth of that mattering!”
This is the part that’s hard to put into words.
This community isn’t transactional. It’s not just about entries, prizes, or even fundraising.
It’s about people showing up — for something bigger than themselves.
Why Pokémon?
We get this question a lot.
And the answer is simple:
Because it matters to Luke.
Pokémon has always been something he’s loved — something that brings him joy, curiosity, and connection. And when we build these fundraisers, we try to meet people in places that feel real and meaningful.
Sometimes that’s trucks.
Sometimes it’s vans.
And sometimes… it’s Pokémon.
But underneath all of it, the mission is the same.
A Much Bigger Picture
We’ve now funded over $5.1 million toward gene therapy research.
We’re working to accelerate clinical trials.
We’re building partnerships.
We’re pushing forward as quickly as we can.
But moments like this — these messages — remind us:
This is bigger than funding.
It’s about:
- Connection
- Trust
- Shared purpose
- And a belief that something better is possible
To Everyone Who Has Reached Out
Whether you’ve sent a message, entered a fundraiser, shared our story, or simply taken the time to learn more…
Thank you.
You are part of this.
And we don’t say that lightly.
👉 If you’re new here and want to learn more about our mission:
https://araceagainstblindness.org/
