Whaley Children’s Center Roof Sit Raises $70,000

The 11th Annual Roof Sit to Benefit the Whaley Children’s Center wrapped up at 10 o’clock Friday morning, raising around $70,000. But you can still help these vulnerable and struggling kids anytime by texting WHALEY to 91999. If you donate before Sunday, August 30th at 11:59pm, that will go toward our Roof Sit total.

Whaley Children’s Center Roof Sit Raises Around $70,000

I co-hosted this three-day event with Mindy Williams, who is currently the CEO of Whaley. The stories she told me about the children that come through their doors, and the misconceptions of what people think they do, send chills down my spine, and a true sadness for those who just don’t get it.

The kids at Whaley Children’s Center, which is celebrating 100 years as of 2026, may not be who you think they are. These kids come from all over the state of Michigan after being sent from one foster home to another, not to mention the temporary stays in between all of that.

Why Michigan Kids Come to Whaley Children’s Center

While the average child at Whaley has been through 12-16 foster homes and temporary living spaces before ending up there, some have moved more than 60 times before checking in. Most kids show up with all of their belongings in a garbage bag because people packing them out didn’t care about their dignity.

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Many kids first arrive at Whaley going through the trash looking for food they can hoard because they are used to doing that… not knowing when they would be able to eat next.

The Heartbreaking Stories Behind Whaley’s Work

These kids end up in these situations because of abuse, a parent passing away or going to jail. But it is never the fault of these kids. Yet, even as young as six years old, they end up moving through the state foster care system.

There were so many stories that broke my heart since I have been co-hosting this amazing event with Mindy. There was the kid who went to an apple orchard and asked why the apples were on the trees. When told that apples grow on trees, he said, no… they come from the bins.

Giving Vulnerable Michigan Kids a Chance to Heal

One child was supposed to have a meeting with his mother for the last time since a court order prevented her from seeing him. Whaley Children’s Center made arrangements for a final farewell for the child and the mother. He asked for a nice outfit with a tie, and that it be ironed so he looked his best. Long story short, after waiting for hours… she never showed up. Not even to see her son for the last time.

Life events like that leave long-lasting implications, and the team at Whaley has been helping, nurturing, and loving kids in similar and sometimes even worse situations for 100 years. As sad as these stories of incoming children are, there are some occasions that spotlight how unaware of the real world some of these kids were when they came to Whaley. And how Whaley gives them the opportunity to open their eyes and see the world.

Giving Vulnerable Michigan Kids a Chance to Heal

A group of around 20 Whaley kids were invited to a day at the lake by a supporter of Whaley. While the ‘big & tough’ teenage boys completely dropped that façade momentarily initially when they were obviously nervous to get on a boat for the first time. They will never admit that, but once they had their life jackets on and were out there for a few minutes, they had a blast.

But what struck me most was the child who had never seen a body of water before. Mesmerized by the spectacle before them, he asked, “What ocean is this?” The answer to the question was Lake Fenton.

We take so much for granted in our everyday lives based on our upbringing. We didn’t ask for what happened to us as babies, children or teenagers. When life deals you a bad hand, we hope it’s not so bad that you end up at Whaley Children’s Center. But know that if that does happen, you will be taken care of by the most compassionate people with the biggest hearts.

How You Can Still Help Whaley Children’s Center

The goal of the team at Whaley is to give these kids confidence, opportunity, and love. When these kids come to the center, they are damaged and traumatized. When they come out, they have a feeling of self-confidence, they know that people love and care about them, and they feel comfortable in their own skin.

The Roof Sit may be over, but you can donate anytime. Text WHALEY to 91999 and make a difference today.

11th Annual Cars 108 Roof Sit (2026)

The Whaley Children's Center is celebrating 100 years, and with our 11th Annual Cars 108 Roof Sit, we raised more than $70,000 for vulnerable kids from all over Michigan.

Gallery Credit: Jeremy Fenech