This year's Widow Project was another success!

A Widow in our community was blessed, and funds were raised to equip women who have aged out of foster care with the tools they need to be health, self-sustaining, thriving adults.

On Saturday, May 17, volunteers gathered for a day of service to provide free yard
cleanup for a local widow. This year’s honoree is Cindy, a
longtime Wake Forest resident and community leader whose late husband, Russ, was a
professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary before his passing in 2008.

“The Widow Project is inspired by James 1:27, which calls us to care for widows and
orphans,” said Rachael Smith, founder and executive director of Hope + Vine. “By
honoring widows in our community, we also uplift the young women in our
program—offering them dignity, purpose, and connection.”

The fundraiser functions similarly to a 5K or charity golf event—participants register and raise funds through sponsorships and peer donations, but instead of running or playing, they’re spending the day serving someone in need. Local businesses can also sponsor the event, contributing directly to Hope + Vine’s mission.

“Many widows are left without the resources or ability to maintain their homes after
losing a spouse,” explained Meredith Hilbert, Hope + Vine board member and local
realtor organizing this year’s project.

“By serving Cindy, we’re not only easing her burden—we’re enhancing the beauty of
Wake Forest’s historic district.”